Reliance NU Suntech to develop 930 MW solar plant with 1,860 MWh battery storage in Andhra Pradesh. Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power is making a significant stride in India’s renewable energy sector by investing ₹10,000 crore in developing Asia’s largest single-location solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project. The project, to be executed by its subsidiary Reliance NU Suntech, involves a 930 MW solar power plant integrated with a 465 MW/1,860 MWh BESS facility in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Strategic Partnership with SECI
The project was awarded through a competitive bidding process conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) in December 2024. Reliance NU Suntech emerged as the largest individual awardee in SECI’s Tranche XVII auction, which offered a total capacity of 2,000 MW solar energy with 1,000 MW/4,000 MWh storage systems.
A 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has been signed with SECI, ensuring a fixed tariff of ₹3.53 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The project is expected to be completed within 24 months from the date of the PPA signing.
Boosting Employment and Manufacturing
The project is anticipated to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs and provide employment to around 5,000 workers during the construction phase. In addition to the solar power plant, Reliance Power plans to invest ₹6,500 crore in establishing an integrated solar manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The company is scouting for 1,500 acres of land near Visakhapatnam for this purpose, with plans moving towards finalizing a site near the Rambili industrial area.
Advancing India’s Renewable Energy Goals
This initiative aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. The integration of solar power with advanced battery storage systems will help strengthen the region’s clean energy capacity and contribute significantly to the nation’s renewable energy goals.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite facing financial challenges in recent years, Reliance Power has successfully settled its debts with Verde Partners. The fund has also committed an additional $500 million in equity for future initiatives, reinforcing the company’s growth prospects and renewable energy expansion plans.
However, the company has faced regulatory hurdles. In November 2024, SECI barred Reliance Power and its subsidiary Reliance NU BESS from participating in its clean energy project tenders for three years after it found that a unit of the company had submitted a fake endorsement of a foreign bank guarantee. Reliance Power has challenged SECI’s notice of debarment in the Delhi High Court.
Conclusion
Anil Ambani’s Reliance Power is making a bold move into the renewable energy sector with a substantial investment in Asia’s largest solar-BESS project. This project not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also contributes to India’s clean energy transition, job creation, and technological advancement in energy storage solutions.
