Reliance Infra Secures Major Solar-Storage Contract in India

• Reliance Infrastructure secures major NHPC contract for a 390-MW solar plant with 780 MWh storage, boosting India's hybrid energy landscape and Reliance's clean-energy portfolio.

Reliance Infrastructure has won a contract from NHPC to develop a 390-MW solar plant with a 780 MWh battery storage system, marking a significant advancement in India's hybrid energy projects. The project, which features a competitive tariff of INR 3.13/kWh, is one of the largest solar-plus-storage awards in India this year, indicating a shift towards integrating renewable energy with grid-support roles nationwide. Reliance's shares increased following the announcement.

The project will add 700 MWp of solar DC capacity and 780 MWh of storage to Reliance's clean-energy portfolio, enhancing its focus on dispatchable renewables. The hybrid system will allow solar output to be used during evening peaks and provide essential grid services. The project simplifies costs and permitting by combining offtake and interconnection. Success depends on equipment procurement, EPC selection, and compliance with battery import rules. If successful, it could set a precedent for future energy contracts in India.

How will Reliance's 390-MW solar project impact India's renewable energy landscape?

• Strengthens India's commitment to renewable energy and aligns with national goals for increasing clean energy capacity.
  
• Enhances grid stability and reliability by integrating battery storage, allowing for better management of energy supply and demand.
  
• Encourages further investment in hybrid energy projects, potentially attracting both domestic and international investors.
  
• Sets a benchmark for competitive tariffs in solar-plus-storage projects, potentially driving down costs in future projects.
  
• Promotes technological advancements and innovation in the renewable energy sector, particularly in energy storage solutions.
  
• Supports job creation and economic growth in the renewable energy sector, contributing to local and national economies.
  
• Demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of large-scale hybrid energy projects, potentially influencing policy and regulatory frameworks.
  
• Contributes to reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact, supporting India's climate change mitigation efforts.
  
• Enhances Reliance's position as a leader in the renewable energy market, potentially influencing other companies to pursue similar projects.
  
• Provides a model for integrating renewable energy with grid-support roles, which could be replicated in other regions and countries.