SA-India solar to power millions of homes

A partnership between South Australian and Indian renewable energy companies could generate enough electricity to power a city the size of Adelaide.

Heliostat SA has signed an agreement with Indian company Global Wind Power that could lead to a one gigawatt solar project in India powering millions of homes.

It could generate millions of dollars for SA and hundreds of jobs for out-of-work car manufacturer workers, Heliostat chief executive Jason May says.

"This represents around $2.5 billion in investment and $1 billion in professional services and product sales," he said in a statement.

"A project of this size has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in Adelaide and across Australia ranging from engineering, product and materials research and manufacturing positions for workers currently transitioning from the automotive sector."

Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith, in India on a trade mission this week, says the agreement is an example of how persistent engagement with international markets can lead to significant exports.