Energetica India Magazine March - April 2026

This milestone edition will serve as a one-stop solution for investors, project developers, system integrators, end-users, and technology solution providers, offering unparalleled op- portunities to explore the latest advancements, forge valuable partnerships, and drive the renewable energy revolution for- ward. As we celebrate a decade of success, RenewX Expo remains committed to empowering the renewable energy ecosystem in South India and contributing to the region’s sustainable de- velopment. Q From a market perspective, what key factors are driving renewable energy growth in South India and strengthen- ing regional industry collaboration? Julian Thomas: South India is emerging as a powerhouse for renewable energy growth, driven by a combination of equi- table development strategies, forward-thinking policies, and robust industry collaboration. The region’s focus on creating a diversified ecosystem to address both rural and urban de - velopment has positioned it as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. Tamil Nadu: A Beacon of Growth and Sustainability Tamil Nadu stands out as a prime example of this growth, achieving an impressive 16 percent GDP growth in FY 2025, one of the highest among Indian states. This unprecedented growth is fuelled by several key factors: • Skilled Workforce Supply: The state boasts a strong pool of skilled manpower, which has been instrumental in driving in- dustrial and economic development. • Progressive Government Policies: Tamil Nadu’s for- ward-thinking policies have created a favourable environment for businesses, including renewable energy enterprises. • Plug-and-Play Business Ecosystem: The state has developed a seamless ecosystem that supports businesses in setting up operations quickly and efficiently. • Empowered Female Workforce: Tamil Nadu has achieved a remarkable milestone, with 41 percent of its factory work- force comprising women, showcasing its commitment to gen- der equity in employment. • Sustainability Leadership: Ranked third in sustainable growth among Indian states, Tamil Nadu is setting bench- marks in environmental and economic balance. These factors collectively contribute to the state’s ability to attract investments and foster innovation in renewable ener- gy, making it a hub for green power solutions. Regional Collaboration and Enterprise Development The growth story is not limited to Tamil Nadu alone. Oth- er South Indian states are also witnessing record-breaking progress in enterprise development. The increasing demand for electricity, driven by the expansion of businesses and production activities, has created a pressing need for sustain- able energy solutions. In response to the rising energy needs, platforms like the RenewX Expo are playing a pivotal role in strengthening regional industry collaboration. Q With the 10th edition approaching, what new market trends, technologies, and industry discussions can partici- pants expect, especially in energy storage and bioenergy? Julian Thomas: The 10th edition of RenewXExpomarks a de- cade of transformative contributions to India’s renewable en- ergy sector. Organised by Informa Markets, the event has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between the govern- ment and industry, creating a robust ecosystem for initiatives like the PMSurya Ghar scheme. This milestone is a celebration of achievements and a gateway to future innovations. The 2026 edition promises exciting developments, particularly in energy storage and bioenergy. Advanced energy storage solu- tions for Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and residential mar- kets will be showcased, addressing the growing need for reliable and efficient power. Cutting-edge battery technologies and hy - brid systems will take center stage. AdedicatedBioenergyPavilionwill highlight advancements in biofuels, biogas, and biomass technologies, emphasising their role in reducing carbon footprints and enhancing India’s re- newable energy mix. Additionally, the expo will feature an ex- panded presence of equipment suppliers catering to manufac- turing needs, supporting localised production and scalability. energetica INDIA- Mar-Apr_2026 23 INTERVIEW