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In a major stride toward India’s clean energy transition, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. announced today, August 19, 2025, that it has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from NHPC for a landmark solar-plus-storage project. The development marks a significant expansion of Reliance Group’s renewable portfolio and positions it as the country’s largest integrated Solar + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) player.
The awarded project includes a 390 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar power installation, coupled with a robust 780 MWh battery energy storage system. Once commissioned, the platform will add 700 MWp of solar DC capacity to Reliance’s portfolio, reinforcing its leadership in dispatchable renewable energy solutions.
Key Highlights from the Announcement
- Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. has secured a Letter of Award from NHPC for a 390 MW ISTS-connected solar power project.
- The project will include a 780 MWh battery energy storage system, enabling grid stability and peak-hour dispatchability.
- The installation will contribute 700 MWp of solar DC capacity to Reliance Group’s clean energy pipeline.
- The winning tariff was discovered at ₹3.13/kWh, placing the project among the most competitively priced in India’s renewable energy landscape.
- The tender was part of NHPC’s broader 1,200 MW solar + 600 MW / 2,400 MWh BESS initiative, which attracted 15 bidders, with 14 qualifying for the e-reverse auction.
Strategic Significance and Market Impact
This project is not just another addition to Reliance’s portfolio—it’s a strategic leap. With this award, Reliance Group’s total renewable capacity now exceeds 3 GWp of solar and 3.5 GWh of BESS, making it India’s largest player in the integrated solar-plus-storage segment.
The competitive tariff of ₹3.13/kWh reflects the company’s ability to leverage economies of scale, advanced engineering, and efficient capital deployment. It also signals a broader industry trend toward cost-effective, dispatchable clean energy solutions.
Technology and Infrastructure Footprint
- The solar component will be built using high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, optimized for ISTS connectivity.
- The BESS will be designed to provide peak load support, frequency regulation, and backup during grid outages.
- The project will be executed through Reliance Infrastructure’s Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which have previously delivered large-scale infrastructure projects including metro rail and highway systems.
Industry Response and Tender Dynamics
The NHPC tender was oversubscribed nearly fourfold, underscoring the growing appetite for hybrid renewable solutions. The inclusion of battery storage in utility-scale tenders reflects a shift in policy and market design, aimed at enhancing grid reliability and integrating intermittent renewables.
Reliance’s win in this highly competitive auction reaffirms its strategic positioning and operational readiness to deliver complex energy infrastructure. The company’s track record in engineering and construction, combined with its financial strength, gives it a distinct edge in executing high-capacity, multi-component projects.
Outlook and Future Implications
The awarded project is expected to be commissioned over the next 18 to 24 months, with phased integration into the national grid. It will play a critical role in meeting India’s renewable energy targets and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
For investors and stakeholders, this development signals Reliance Infrastructure’s deepening commitment to clean energy and its ability to compete aggressively in tariff-based auctions. It also sets a benchmark for future solar-plus-storage projects in terms of pricing, scale, and execution capability.
Source: Economic Times, August 19, 2025
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