Que: What led you to foray into the Renewable Energy Sector? What are the key milestones the company has achieved so far?

Ans: Our foray into the renewable energy space was driven by a deep conviction that sustainability must be at the heart of India’s energy future. We saw early on that clean energy wasn’t just an environmental imperative; it was also a strong economic opportunity for India’s growth.

We commissioned India’s first 5 MW solar plant in 2010, followed by Asia’s first 30 MW solar PV plant in 2011. By 2013–14, we had emerged as one of India’s largest solar power developers, with a capacity exceeding 500 MW and key projects across Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, amongst others.

Today, Hindustan Power is targeting a 5 GW energy portfolio over the next three years, with a strong emphasis on renewable and transitional energy. Our vision is aligned with India’s 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity, and we’re proud to be contributing meaningfully to the country's clean energy transition.

Que: Hindustan Power recently commenced work on its 435 MWp Solar Power Projects in UP. Can you highlight some of the utility-scale or hybrid projects the company is currently developing or planning?

Ans: We’ve commenced work on our 435 MWp solar power project in Uttar Pradesh, recently inaugurating the site office and initiating key mobilisation activities such as site development, workforce engagement, and coordination with local stakeholders. This project supports the state’s goal of achieving 22,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2026–27, while also supporting job creation and long-term, sustainable development in the region.

Beyond this, our current development pipeline focuses on large-scale utility and hybrid projects, particularly in solar and battery energy storage. These offer high scalability and align with our strategic vision for driving clean energy transitions across India.

Que: The company also signed an INR 620-crore MoU to develop solar and storage projects in Assam. Can you share details about the same and the progress made so far?

Ans: We’re proud to partner with the Government of Assam to invest INR 620 crore in a 100 MW solar power plant and a 100 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The project, currently in the design and planning phase, will enhance Assam’s energy security and generate employment of more than 5,000 man-days.

Additionally, we have been awarded a Letter of Intent (LOI) by Bihar State Power Generation Company (BSPGCL) to develop a 120 MWh standalone BESS. We have also secured a Letter of Award from SJVN for developing an ISTS-connected project comprising 100 MW solar and 200 MWh BESS. These developments reflect our commitment to accelerating India’s energy transition through innovative and region-specific clean energy solutions.

Que: Hindustan Power aims to build a 5 GW renewable energy portfolio over the next three years. Which regions or segments are you focusing on for expansion?

Ans: Yes, the company has set an ambitious target to achieve a 5 GW portfolio over the next three years, which is in line with India’s goal of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Our growth strategy focuses on solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) opportunities, and we are also exploring emerging sustainable energy technologies reflecting our commitment to innovation, resilience, and a low-carbon future. We have a national presence and are capable of commissioning projects wherever the need arises.

Que: The government has mandated a minimum of 2-hour co-located energy storage systems (ESS) equivalent to 10 percent of the solar project capacity in future solar tenders. How is this going to shape Hindustan Power’s strategy?

Ans: The government’s ESS mandate is a progressive move that strengthens India’s renewable ecosystem by ensuring greater grid stability and reliability. While this requirement may slightly increase project costs and tariff bids initially, it sets the stage for delivering firm, dispatchable renewable energy that can truly replace fossil fuel-based generation.

We view this as an opportunity to lead innovation. We are enhancing our expertise in integrated solar-plus-storage solutions and collaborating with technology providers to develop cost-efficient systems. Our strategy focuses on designing future-ready projects capable of meeting evolving grid demands while contributing to India’s long-term energy security.

Que: Inclusion of solar cells in ALMM from June 1, 2026, is expected to create challenges for developers, regarding limited availability and higher prices of DCR panels, affecting project timelines. How do you plan to tackle this?

Ans: Bringing solar cells under ALMM is a crucial step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing import reliance. In the short term, developers may face challenges such as limited ALMM List-II panel availability and higher procurement costs, which may impact project timelines. We are proactively engaging with ALMM and ALCM suppliers, securing long-term supply agreements and optimising project schedules to mitigate risks. By aligning closely with India’s manufacturing ecosystem, Hindustan Power aims to ensure the timely execution of projects while contributing to the nation’s goal of self-reliance in solar technology.

Que: What policy and regulatory changes, according to you, would further accelerate India's transition to a sustainable energy future?

Ans: India’s solar sector is entering a decade of transformative growth. Government schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM are accelerating adoption across households, agriculture, and industry. As per a recent industry report, solar energy capacity in India has grown exponentially from 2.82 GW in 2014 to over 108 GW in 2024. The expansion reflects a strong policy backing and an increasing private sector participation. It is due to such concerted efforts that India has already achieved 50 percent non-fossil fuel power generation capacity, 5 years ahead of time.

There needs to be increased focus on utilising this capacity. To accelerate the transition further, we believe there is a need to streamline land acquisition, fast-track grid modernisation and connectivity, while establishing clear, long-term guidelines for energy storage deployment. Developing robust carbon markets and enhancing the Renewable Energy Certificate mechanism will attract more private investment. Reforms around open access, net metering, and single-window clearances will also contribute to commercial uptake.

Que: Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities for the next 3–5 years?

Ans: The immediate priority is to execute our 5 GW energy portfolio with speed and world-class quality. Over the next 3–5 years, we aim to further strengthen our position in solar and transitional energy generation, while accelerating the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to meet growing energy balancing needs. We are also actively exploring opportunities in emerging clean energy technologies as part of our long-term diversification strategy.