Reliance Power’s Comeback with 930 MW Battery-backed Solar Plant
Reliance NU Suntech Pvt. Ltd., subsidiary of Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Power, will be setting up a 930 MW solar power project in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. An associated 465 MW/ 1,860 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will also be developed to complement the aforementioned solar plant.
This project can be seen as Reliance Power’s comeback after SECI withdrew its debarment order against the company from participating in future tenders.
Reliance Power’s Rs. 10,000 Cr. Project, Largest Battery Grid in Asia ex-China
Several media reports cite a total investment of approximately Rs. 10,000 crore in this project, which was secured by Reliance NU Suntech from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Under the project, Reliance NU Suntech will be installing the largest single-location battery grid in Asia so far, excluding China. This massive BESS facility will enable peak power supply for a minimum of 4 hours daily to DISCOMS from this project.
Reliance NU Suntech will be signing a Power Purchase Agreement with SECI for power to be supplied from this upcoming project. Once the PPA is signed, this project is expected to come up in a period of 24 months.
This project will be developed by the company on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis, and during development, this project is expected to create 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Reliance Power’s Comeback after Withdrawal of SECI’s Debarment Order
In November 2024, SECI had debarred Reliance Power from participating in any of the tenders issued by SECI for a period of 3 years. This action was taken due to Reliance NU BESS, as subsidiary of Reliance Power, submitting inadequate documents in response to a tender for developing a standalone BESS project. Discrepancies were found in the documents, prompting SECI to issue the debarment order.
However, in December 2024, this order was revoked by SECI after the matter was taken by Reliance Power to the Delhi High Court, which had issued a stay on the matter in late November 2024.
Therefore, the aforementioned order win marks a major comeback for Reliance Power, and its entry into the Renewable Energy & BESS sector.
About Reliance Power Ltd.: Reliance Power Ltd. is an Indian power producer with a portfolio of 5,300 MW. For FY-24, the company earned a revenue of Rs. 7,892.60 crore from its operations.
