In a significant leap for India’s renewable energy sector, Reliance Infrastructure Limited has secured a prestigious Letter of Award (LoA) from NHPC Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise, for a 390-MW ISTS-connected solar power project integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
This contract, valued at approximately ₹4,000 crore, marks Reliance Infrastructure’s emergence as a major player in integrated solar-plus-storage solutions, further strengthening its clean energy portfolio. The winning tariff stood at a highly competitive ₹3.13 per unit (kWh).
Reliance Infrastructure – Project Overview & Scope
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure Limited has clinched a Letter of Award (LoA) from NHPC Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise, for a mega 390 MW ISTS-connected solar power project integrated with a 780 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- Capacity:
- Solar: 700 MWp direct current (DC)
- BESS: 780 MWh energy storage
- Connection: Interstate Transmission System (ISTS)
- Tender Details:
NHPC’s tender attracted 15 bidders, with 14 qualifying for the e-reverse auction, and was oversubscribed nearly fourfold, signaling strong industry interest. - Strategic Impact: Upon commissioning, this project will elevate Reliance Group’s renewable capacity beyond 3 GWp of solar and 3.5 GWh of BESS, solidifying its position as India’s largest integrated player in solar plus storage.
Reliance Infrastructure & NHPC
NHPC Limited, initially established as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation in 1975, has expanded its portfolio to include solar, geothermal, tidal, and wind energy.
Reliance Infrastructure, part of the Reliance Group, is a diversified infrastructure company engaged in power generation, metro and road building, defence, and utilities.
Reliance Power, another group entity, already commands a clean energy portfolio nearing 2.5 GWp solar and 2.5 GWh BESS. This new NHPC project boosts their combined holdings to over 3 GWp solar DC and >3.5 GWh storage.
Competitive Edge & Renewable Strategy
The winning tariff of ₹3.13/kWh is one of the most competitive bids in India’s renewable energy sector, reflecting Reliance’s aggressive pricing and warehouse-scale energy ambitions.
This project aligns with Reliance’s strategy to capture a leadership role in dispatchable clean energy, combining solar generation with storage to manage grid requirements and intermittency.
Market & Investor Impact
Following the announcement, Reliance Infrastructure’s share price rallied—observed gains included +3.6% on BSE, and over 10% increase over two days—boosting investor sentiment.
Broader Sector Implications
- Renewable Energy Transition: This award reflects India’s accelerating push for 100% green energy, focusing on scalable storage solutions.
- Policy Significance: The Indo-centric appetite for solar+BESS projects is growing, supported by government tenders and favorable tariffs.
- NHPC’s Strategy: Signifies NHPC’s evolution beyond hydro, embracing new-age renewables, particularly utility-scale solar coupled with storage. Wikipedia
Looking Ahead: Path Forward
Implementation Timeline
Though commissioning timelines are not public yet, similar projects typically follow a 2–3 year execution window, depending on approvals, land allocation, and EPC deployment.
Systemic Benefits
- Grid Integration: With ISTS connectivity, the project benefits from wide grid reach, ensuring efficient energy dispatch.
- Renewable Reliability: BESS enables load balancing, peak-shaving, and grid stabilization—key as variable renewables ramp up.
- Economic Growth: Clean energy infrastructure creates employment in EPC sectors, land development, and operations & maintenance.
External Links for Reference
- PowerLine News – LoA announcement: Power Line Magazine
- Business Standard – Coverage of project value and portfolio expansion: Business Standard
- Moneycontrol – Project consolidation into Reliance’s energy pipeline: Moneycontrol
- Financial Express – Tariff details and oversubscription context: The Financial Express
- NBMCW – Industry perspective coverage: NBMCW
- Economic Times – Renewable capacity synthesis and bidding highlight: The Economic Times
- StockTwits – Market sentiment and share reaction: Stocktwits
- Wikipedia (NHPC) – Background on NHPC Limited: Wikipedia
- Wikipedia (Reliance Infrastructure) – Company profile: Wikipedia
This powerful win positions Reliance Infrastructure at the forefront of India’s renewable energy transition—with a strong integrated solar+BESS portfolio, competitive tariffs, and strategic alignment with NHPC’s infrastructure expansion.
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