DEV Community: Ratul Puri

Ratul Puri: India's Renewable Energy Transition – Balancing Flexibility and Reliability

Ratul Puri — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 06:07:19 +0000

Record-breaking bids and increasing investments helped bring renewable energy into the mainstream.

Authored by Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power

In this article, Ratul Puri shares his perspective on how India's renewable energy transition must now prioritize flexibility, reliability, and grid resilience alongside clean energy expansion.

India's renewable energy (RE) sector is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. The journey began with robust tariff auctions that made solar and other clean energy sources commercially competitive. Recordbreaking bids and increasing investments helped bring renewable energy into the mainstream

The silent, systemic shift

As RE penetration deepens, the next phase of the energy transition presents a new challenge. The focus is no longer limited to low-cost generation. Instead, the grid now requires reliable, dispatchable power that can support stable operations and consistently meet rising demand.

This marks a transition from a purely cost-competitive model to a valuebased power system. Historically, tariffs did not fully account for critical factors such as storage costs, transmission congestion, intermittency management, balancing requirements, and curtailment risks. While storage-backed or hybrid renewable solutions may appear expensive upfront, they significantly reduce systemic stress and enhance grid efficiency over time.

Consequently, procurement priorities are shifting. Greater emphasis is now placed on capacity value, flexibility, and reliability rather than just headline tariffs. This transition reflects a maturing market adapting to the evolving needs of a high-RE power system, especially as India advances towards its 2030 non-fossil fuel capacity goals.

What is driving this shift?

The sector is moving from a lowest-tariff framework to a lowestsystemic-cost approach. Traditional levelised cost of energy (LCOЕ) metrics fail to capture hidden costs such as transmission bottlenecks, K intermittency, and curtailment risks. The focus is now on the total cost of delivering reliable power, including storage, balancing, transmission, and integration expenses.

Reliability has emerged as a key requirement. With increasing RE penetration, the grid needs power that is dependable, dispatchable, and available on demand. Hybrid solutions-such as solar-wind combinations integrated with battery storage are increasingly preferred over standalone projects, as they ensure power availability during peak demand periods.

Flexibility, once managed implicitly within the system, is now gaining formal recognition. Earlier, coal plants adjusted output, hydro power balanced fluctuations, and system operators handled variability in real time. However, these services were neither explicitly valued nor compensated. That is now changing.

The role of storage and infrastructure

Energy storage has become central to ensuring round-the-clock power supply. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped hydro projects are critical for reducing variability, curbing curtailment, and improving RE utilisation. States must prioritise new tenders for such projects, while also expediting land, water, and regulatory approvals for storage-linked developments.

Central policies can further support this transition. Measures such as interstate transmission charge waivers for storage projects and the integration of storage into planning frameworks are essential. Additionally, grid modernisation - through improved transmission capacity, better demand forecasting, and enhanced grid managementwill be key to accelerating progress.

Strengthening grid readiness

Grid readiness remains a significant bottleneck for RE expansion. While several states possess abundant renewable resources, inadequate transmission infrastructure often delays project execution. To address this, states must take a proactive approach in planning and commissioning intrastate transmission networks aligned with project timelines and central plans.

Distribution networks also require strengthening through upgrades to lines, substations, and transformers. This will ensure efficient evacuation of renewable and distributed solar power, reduce congestion and losses, and enable reliable integration of variable energy sources.

Enhancing ancillary service markets is equally important. Expanding ramping reserves, frequency response mechanisms, and fast-response services will provide the flexibility needed to manage higher shares of renewable energy.

Concluding thoughts

India's energy transition is part of a broader global shift. In regions such as the European Union, high solar penetration has led to frequent zero negative pricing during certain hours-highlighting misalignment between supply and demand. The global response has been consistent: increase storage capacity, strengthen balancing markets, and promote demand-side flexibility

As India advances towards energy security, ensuring flexibility and reliability will be just as critical as expanding renewable capacity. A balanced mix of conventional and renewable sources, supported by strong infrastructure and market mechanisms, will define the next phase of the country’s energy transition.

About Ratul Puri:

Ratul Puri is the Chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with a strong presence in renewable and transitional energy generation. Over the years, Ratul Puri has been involved in the development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects that support India’s growing power requirements and its transition toward cleaner energy sources.

This content is taken by this source:

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/indias-renewable-energy-transition-balancing-flexibility-and-reliability/132755691

Ratul Puri on Renewable Energy: The Next Phase of Growth will be Reliable Power Delivery

Ratul Puri — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:55:30 +0000

India’s renewable energy sector has entered a new phase of growth. Over the past decade, the country has made significant progress in expanding solar and wind capacity, strengthening its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets. However, as renewable capacity continues to increase, greater emphasis needs to be placed on building an energy system that can efficiently transmit, store and deliver electricity.

Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, believes that India’s energy transition will depend on strengthening the complete power ecosystem, including transmission infrastructure, grid flexibility and energy storage solutions.

“Renewable energy growth must be supported by the infrastructure required to absorb and deliver power efficiently. The focus has to move from capacity creation to effective power delivery,” said Ratul Puri.

India added more than 54 GW of renewable energy capacity between April 2025 and March 2026, reflecting the country’s strong momentum in clean energy deployment. However, rapid capacity addition has also highlighted challenges associated with transmission availability, grid balancing and renewable energy utilisation.

The growing instances of renewable energy curtailment indicate that generation capacity alone cannot determine the success of the energy transition. Without adequate transmission networks and flexibility solutions, a portion of the electricity generated from renewable sources may not reach consumers when it is available.

Curtailment Highlights the Need for Stronger Energy Infrastructure

According to Ember data, India curtailed around 300 GWh of renewable energy during the first quarter of 2026 due to transmission constraints. The data highlights the importance of strengthening evacuation infrastructure as renewable capacity expands across the country.

Renewable-rich states with high solar and wind potential require advanced transmission systems to ensure that electricity generated in these regions can be transported efficiently to demand centres.

The challenge is becoming more visible as India continues to add renewable capacity at a rapid pace. During 2025-26, India added 52,537 MW of generation capacity across all sources until January 31, 2026. Renewable energy accounted for 39,657 MW of this addition, including 34,955 MW of solar capacity and 4,613 MW of wind capacity.

This growth demonstrates India’s ability to scale renewable energy deployment. At the same time, it highlights the importance of creating a power infrastructure capable of managing higher levels of variable renewable generation.

"Capacity addition is a significant step forward, but the value of renewable energy depends on how effectively it can be integrated into the grid and delivered to consumers," said Ratul Puri.

Transmission and Grid Flexibility Will Define the Next Stage

Solar and wind energy generation varies depending on weather conditions and time of the day. While solar power generation peaks during daylight hours, electricity demand often increases during evening periods when solar output declines.

Managing this variation requires a combination of stronger transmission networks, advanced forecasting systems, flexible generation resources and energy storage technologies.

Ember’s analysis highlighted the impact of grid flexibility challenges in India’s renewable energy sector. According to the Ember data, India curtailed 2.3 TWh of solar power between May and December 2025 due to challenges in managing increased daytime solar generation and limited grid flexibility. This amount of electricity could have supplied power to nearly 400,000 households for a year.

These figures highlight the importance of developing an integrated approach where renewable generation growth moves alongside investments in supporting infrastructure.

“Renewable energy requires a complete ecosystem. Transmission, storage and grid management solutions have to progress alongside generation capacity to create a reliable and efficient electricity system,” Ratul Puri added.

Energy Storage Will Become a Critical Enabler

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will play a significant role in improving renewable energy integration. Storage systems can capture surplus renewable electricity during periods of high generation and supply power during periods of higher demand.

For India, which is witnessing rising electricity consumption due to industrial growth, electrification of transportation and expansion of digital infrastructure, storage will be essential for maintaining grid stability.

Energy storage can also help reduce renewable energy wastage by improving the ability of the grid to absorb variable generation. Along with BESS, pumped hydro storage and other flexibility solutions will support the transition towards a more balanced power system.

“Storage will be an important part of India’s renewable energy journey. It will help bridge the gap between renewable generation patterns and consumer demand, enabling cleaner and more reliable power supply,” said Ratul Puri.

Moving Towards an Integrated Energy Future

India’s renewable energy ambitions require a shift towards a more integrated energy infrastructure approach. The next phase of growth will involve connecting renewable generation with efficient transmission systems, advanced grid technologies and storage capabilities.

The objective will be to ensure that renewable energy generated across the country contributes effectively to meeting the rising electricity demand.

Ratul Puri believes that strengthening the delivery ecosystem will be central to achieving India’s long-term energy goals.

“India’s energy transition will be shaped by how effectively we connect generation, transmission, storage and consumption. A reliable power system will be the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” he said.

As renewable capacity continues to expand, improving grid readiness and ensuring efficient power delivery will become increasingly important. India’s clean energy transition will depend on creating an ecosystem where every unit of renewable electricity generated can be utilised effectively.

About Ratul Puri

Ratul Puri is the Chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with a strong presence in renewable and transitional energy generation. Over the years, Ratul Puri has been involved in the development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects that support India’s growing power requirements and its transition toward cleaner energy sources.

This content is taken by this source:

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/ratul-puri-on-renewable-energy-the-next-phase-of-growth-will-be-reliable-power-delivery/132729823

Ratul Puri on Integrated Energy Infrastructure: Why India Must Move Beyond Renewable Capacity Addition

Ratul Puri — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:59:32 +0000

India’s energy transition is entering a new phase where the focus is shifting from adding renewable capacity alone to building a more integrated, reliable and flexible power ecosystem. As electricity demand rises across industries, mobility, manufacturing, digital infrastructure and data centres, the ability to deliver power consistently and efficiently will become as important as generation capacity itself.

Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, believes India is moving into an “era of electricity” where transmission infrastructure, battery storage, solar-plus-storage solutions and smart grids will play a crucial role alongside renewable energy expansion. According to him, the future of India’s power sector will depend on creating an ecosystem capable of delivering reliable power on demand at the lowest delivered cost. This will require focused investments in:

energy storage
grid flexibility
transmission networks
localised power infrastructure

Speaking about the country's growing electricity needs, Ratul Puri noted that India's peak power demand touched record levels of around 270 GW during the May 2026 heatwave, reflecting not only seasonal demand but also the steady rise in electricity consumption driven by manufacturing, electric mobility and expanding digital infrastructure. The trend highlights the growing need for stronger transmission and distribution networks alongside large-scale renewable energy deployment.

According to Ratul Puri, Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are rapidly evolving from power generators into integrated energy transition partners. As the sector moves beyond standalone power generation towards integrated energy solutions, IPPs are increasingly focusing on:
energy storage
grid support and transmission infrastructure
hybrid power solutions
energy management

He believes that the industry's focus has shifted from simply adding megawatts of renewable capacity to delivering reliable, flexible and long-term energy solutions. IPPs are also supporting the electrification of transport, industrial decarbonisation and the growing energy demand from sectors such as mobility, manufacturing and data infrastructure.
Separately, a CRISIL–FICCI report on India's energy transition highlights that Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) will be critical to ensuring reliable and sustainable power supplies. The report notes that while renewable capacity will continue to expand rapidly, transitional power and flexible generation will remain essential for maintaining grid stability, meeting peak demand and supporting Round-the-Clock (RTC) electricity availability.

Ratul Puri also emphasises that cleaner energy systems supported by a phased and balanced transition will be critical to:
supporting economic growth
enabling industrial expansion
strengthening energy security

India’s power sector is moving into a phase where reliability and flexibility are becoming just as important as renewable capacity addition. As electricity demand rises across sectors such as mobility, manufacturing and data infrastructure, the grid will require cleaner power sources capable of supplying electricity beyond peak solar generation hours.

This is increasing the importance of solar-plus-storage, hybrid power and dispatchable renewable energy solutions, which can provide a more stable and predictable power supply while enabling higher renewable integration into the grid. These technologies also help reduce transmission constraints, improve system efficiency and strengthen long-term energy security as India builds a more resilient electricity ecosystem.

In one of his recent interviews, Ratul Puri said Hindustan Power's long-term vision remains focused on achieving 5 GW of installed capacity by 2028. The company has outlined a roadmap to scale both its renewable and transitional energy portfolio, while its near-term strategy focuses on structured capacity additions across key Indian states.

India’s next phase of energy development will depend on how effectively renewable energy generation is integrated with transmission, storage and smart-grid infrastructure. As electricity demand continues to rise from electric mobility, manufacturing, digital infrastructure and AI-powered data centres, the priority will be ensuring that clean power is available round the clock, rather than only during peak renewable generation hours.

According to Ratul Puri, maintaining grid stability, reducing transmission congestion and strengthening long-term energy security will require sustained investment in battery energy storage, solar-plus-storage projects, flexible transmission networks and localised power infrastructure. An integrated approach that combines generation, storage and grid modernisation will be essential to supporting India's economic growth while advancing its clean energy ambitions over the coming decade.

About Ratul Puri:

Ratul Puri on Building Integrated Energy Solutions for India's Rising Power Demand

Ratul Puri — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:15:43 +0000

As power demand grows, Ratul Puri believes integrated energy systems will be key to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in India.

Ratul Puri, Chairman Hindustan Power.

India’s power sector is undergoing a structural transformation. Rising industrial activity, expanding digital infrastructure, rapid electrification and increasing energy consumption are reshaping the country’s electricity demand profile. Peak demand has already reached record levels and is expected to continue growing as manufacturing, artificial intelligence, data centres and electric mobility become larger contributors to the economy.

The scale of this change is already visible in India’s power demand. As reported by the Ministry of Power, India achieved an all-time peak electricity demand of 256.1 GW on 25 April 2026, reflecting the rapidly expanding scale of the country’s electricity requirements and the need for a power system capable of supporting sustained economic growth. This development highlights Ratul Puri’s view that India must build an energy system capable of delivering dependable power at a significantly greater scale.

According to Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, these developments are changing the priorities of India’s energy transition. While renewable energy capacity will continue to expand, the focus is increasingly shifting towards building integrated and resilient energy infrastructure capable of delivering reliable power whenever it is required.

The first phase of India’s clean energy journey demonstrated the country’s ability to deploy renewable energy at scale. The future of this transition will depend on how effectively renewable generation, storage, transmission and grid infrastructure are integrated to create a flexible and future-ready electricity system. As renewable energy becomes a larger part of the generation mix, ensuring dependable power delivery will become as important as adding new capacity.

India is entering what can be described as an “era of electricity”,where manufacturing, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and electric mobility are driving a new phase of demand for reliable and continuous power supply. Industrial growth, digital infrastructure, electric mobility and AI-powered technologies require power systems that are more reliable, flexible and responsive. This changing landscape requires an energy ecosystem capable of supporting both rising base demand and increasing peak loads.

This upward trajectory is expected to continue over the coming decade. According to the Central Electricity Authority’s 20th Electric Power Survey, India’s peak electricity demand is projected to reach approximately 446 GW by 2034-35, while the country’s annual electrical energy requirement could rise to around 3,215 billion units.

Meeting the evolving needs of the power sector requires a more integrated approach to infrastructure development. While renewable energy remains at the core of India’s long-term energy strategy, expanding generation capacity alone will not be sufficient to support a power system with increasing variability and demand complexity. Investments in battery storage, transmission networks, grid flexibility and intelligent system operations will become increasingly important in enabling clean energy to be delivered efficiently across the country.

Battery Energy Storage Systems are emerging as an important part of this transition. By balancing supply and demand, supporting grid stability and improving the utilisation of renewable energy, storage is helping strengthen the overall resilience of the electricity network. As renewable penetration increases, integrating storage with solar and other clean energy technologies will play a larger role in providing dependable and dispatchable power.

Hybrid renewable projects are also becoming increasingly relevant as the sector moves towards more integrated energy solutions. Combining renewable generation with storage improves operational flexibility and enables electricity to be supplied beyond periods of peak solar generation. These integrated models are expected to contribute to greater grid stability while supporting India’s growing requirement for reliable, round-the-clock clean power.

At the same time, India’s energy transition will continue to require a balanced and diversified power mix. Renewable energy will remain the primary driver of clean energy growth, supported by storage and modern transmission infrastructure, while flexible resources such as hydro, pumped storage and other dispatchable technologies will continue to contribute to system reliability during the transition. This balanced approach strengthens energy security while supporting long-term decarbonisation objectives.

The opportunities created by this evolving energy landscape extend beyond electricity generation. Battery storage, green hydrogen and industrial decarbonization initiatives are opening new pathways for supporting sectors that require reliable and lower-carbon energy solutions. As industries seek to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, integrated energy infrastructure will become an important enabler of sustainable industrial growth.

This changing environment is also redefining the role of independent power producers. Increasingly, energy developers are expected to contribute not only through generation assets but also through integrated solutions that improve system flexibility, support grid operations and strengthen long-term energy resilience. The sector is gradually moving from delivering individual projects to enabling a more connected and responsive power ecosystem.

Reflecting these industry developments, Hindustan Power continues to strengthen its portfolio across renewable energy, battery storage and integrated energy infrastructure. Under the leadership of Ratul Puri, the company remains focused on building energy systems that support greater reliability, operational flexibility and efficient power delivery.

India’s energy transition is entering a new phase shaped by rising electricity demand and changing consumption patterns. The long-term opportunity lies not only in expanding renewable energy, but in building an integrated power system capable of supporting economic growth while delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity. As the country’s energy ecosystem continues to evolve, the ability to connect generation, storage and grid infrastructure into a coordinated system will increasingly define the next chapter of India’s power sector.

About Ratul Puri:

About Hindustan Power:

Hindustan Power is an integrated power generation company with a presence across renewable and transitional energy assets. The company continues to invest in energy infrastructure that supports reliability, sustainability and long-term value creation within India’s evolving power sector.

This content is taken by this source:-

(https://thewire.in/ptiprnews/ratul-puri-on-building-integrated-energy-solutions-for-indias-rising-power-demand)

Ratul Puri: India's Net Zero Future Depends on Building an Integrated Energy System

Ratul Puri — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:39:58 +0000

India's clean energy transition has entered a defining decade. Over the past several years, the country has established itself as one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy markets through consistent policy support, competitive bidding and sustained private sector investment. India has already crossed 280 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity and continues to make steady progress towards its target of 500 GW by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070. While expanding renewable energy capacity will remain a national priority, the challenge before the sector is becoming fundamentally different. The country's clean energy ambitions will increasingly depend on an integrated power system that can deliver reliable, affordable and low-carbon electricity at scale.

India's electricity demand is changing both in scale and complexity. Rapid industrialisation, digital infrastructure, electric mobility, urbanisation and the emergence of AI-driven data centres are creating new demand patterns that require uninterrupted, high-quality power. According to the Central Electricity Authority, the country's peak electricity demand is expected to exceed 450 GW by 2032. Meeting this demand while reducing emissions will require a more flexible power system, better connected and capable of balancing generation and consumption in real time. Achieving India's climate and energy goals will require equal emphasis on strengthening power infrastructure and expanding renewable energy capacity.

"India has already demonstrated that it can deploy renewable energy at scale. Going forward, equal attention must be given to the infrastructure that supports it. Generation, storage, transmission and digital grid management must evolve together if clean energy is to meet the growing needs of households, industry and the broader economy. System integration will be the defining factor in achieving India's long-term energy ambitions," says Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power.

As renewable energy assumes a larger share of the electricity mix, maintaining grid stability becomes increasingly important. Solar and wind generation are inherently variable, making flexibility an essential requirement for the modern power system. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are emerging as one of the most significant enablers of this transition by storing surplus renewable energy and making it available when demand is highest. Storage also supports frequency regulation, reserve capacity and grid balancing, allowing renewable energy to contribute more effectively to a stable electricity network. As battery technologies continue to mature and costs decline globally, storage is becoming an integral part of electricity infrastructure rather than an optional addition to renewable projects.

Building a stronger transmission network is equally important. India's richest renewable energy resources are often located far from major industrial and urban centres, making transmission investments critical for moving clean electricity efficiently across the country. Expanding Green Energy Corridors, strengthening interstate connectivity and modernising the national grid will reduce congestion, improve power flows and minimise renewable energy curtailment. At the same time, flexible conventional generation will continue to provide balancing support as renewable capacity expands, ensuring that electricity supply remains dependable while newer technologies continue to scale.

"The future of the power sector will not be shaped by any single technology. Renewable energy, storage, transmission, flexible generation and digital technologies each have a distinct role to play. Their collective strength will determine how efficiently India delivers clean, reliable and affordable power," says Ratul Puri.

The transition extends well beyond electricity generation. Heavy industries including steel, cement, fertilisers and refining account for a significant share of India's emissions and require multiple decarbonisation pathways. Green hydrogen has the potential to transform these hard-to-abate sectors by providing a low-carbon alternative for industrial processes where direct electrification remains difficult. At the same time, improving energy efficiency across industries, commercial buildings and transport can significantly reduce pressure on generation and transmission infrastructure while lowering emissions. Combining renewable electricity, storage, cleaner fuels and efficiency measures will create a more balanced and competitive energy system.

India's clean energy transformation also presents a significant economic opportunity. Investments across renewable energy, battery manufacturing, transmission infrastructure, green hydrogen and domestic clean energy supply chains can strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and create high-quality employment across manufacturing, engineering and technology. For developers and investors, the opportunity is also evolving. Customers increasingly seek dependable clean power solutions rather than standalone renewable assets, encouraging greater integration across technologies and long-term infrastructure planning.

"India's energy transition is ultimately an economic transformation. The countries and companies that succeed will be those that can deliver reliable, competitive and low-carbon energy at scale. Building integrated energy systems will strengthen industrial competitiveness, improve energy security and create a foundation for sustained economic growth over the coming decades," says Ratul Puri.

India has shown that it can scale renewable energy with remarkable speed. The country's long-term success will now depend on building a power system where generation, storage, transmission, flexible capacity and emerging low-carbon technologies operate seamlessly together. Such an integrated approach will enable reliable clean electricity at scale while supporting India's climate goals, industrial competitiveness and energy security.

About Ratul Puri:-

Hindustan Power: Meeting India’s rising power demand with integrated solutions

Ratul Puri — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:57:06 +0000

In an interview with Power Line, [Ratul Puri](In an interview with Power Line, Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power Limited, discussed the company’s key focus areas, major milestones, energy transition initiatives and top strategic priorities. Edited excerpts…

What is the outlook for Hindustan Power’s business in the near and long term?
Hindustan Power’s near- and long-term outlook remains focused on scaling its renewable and transitional energy portfolio in line with India’s evolving priorities. The company has outlined a road map to build a 5 GW energy portfolio by 2028, with growth anchored in renewable energy, grid-supportive transitional energy solutions and long-term infrastructure development.

In the near term, the company is focused on structured capacity additions across key Indian states, supported by disciplined capital deployment, operational efficiency and timely project execution. The strategy is aligned with rising electricity demand, India’s clean energy targets and the increasing need for reliable and resilient power infrastructure.

From a long-term perspective, Hindustan Power aims to strengthen its position as a significant contributor to India’s energy transition by building a diversified and sustainable energy portfolio.

What are the major focus areas for Hindustan Power, given the present geopolitical scenarios?

Given the current geopolitical environment, our focus is on building scale with resilience. We see strong opportunity in creating a diversified energy portfolio that balances renewable growth with reliable and flexible power solutions necessary for the baseload.

We are also focused on sectors that will drive future electricity demand, industrial infrastructure and more. At the same time, strengthening domestic execution capability, supply chain preparedness and long-term infrastructure partnerships remain a key priority for us.

*Why is India’s energy transition shifting from renewable capacity addition to integrated energy infrastructure development?
*
We are entering what can be described as the “era of electricity”. With the rapid electrification of transportation, rising power demand from data centres and increasing digital infrastructure, the priority is no longer just adding solar and wind capacity. The focus is now on ensuring round-the-clock (RTC) electricity, where hybrid models, backed by energy storage, will play a crucial role in the foreseeable future.

There is also a need to provide power on demand at the lowest delivered cost of energy. This requires investments in storage, grid flexibility, transmission networks and localised power infrastructure.

We are already experiencing multiple peak power periods due to heatwaves across the country. This requires moving beyond models that only focus on generation without concomitant investments in the other critical components of the power value chain. Thus, we need to move away from “just-in-time planning” and build future-ready capacity with adequate spare RTC power and robust connectivity to address sudden power constraints.

*What is driving the growing adoption of solar-plus-storage, hybrid power and despatchable renewable energy solutions in India?
*
India’s power sector is moving into a phase where reliability and flexibility are becoming as important as renewable energy capacity addition. As electricity demand rises across sectors such as mobility, manufacturing and data infrastructure, the grid will require cleaner power sources that can supply energy beyond peak solar hours.

This is driving the significance of solar-plus-storage, hybrid power and despatchable renewable solutions, which can provide more stable and predictable power supply while supporting higher renewable integration into the grid. These technologies also help reduce transmission pressure, improve system efficiency and strengthen long-term energy security as India builds a more resilient electricity ecosystem.

*How are IPPs evolving from pure power generators to integrated energy transition partners?
*
IPPs are increasingly evolving from pure power generators to integrated energy transition partners as the sector moves beyond standalone capacity creation. As discussed earlier, customers and governments are looking not just for megawatts, but also for reliable, flexible and long-term energy solutions.

This is expanding the role of IPPs into areas such as storage, hybrid power, grid support, energy management and despatchable renewable solutions. IPPs are also becoming important partners in supporting electrification, industrial decarbonisation and emerging energy demand from sectors such as mobility and data infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader transition from supplying power to enabling a more resilient, technology-driven and future-ready energy ecosystem.

*What is the role of transitional power and flexible generation in supporting India’s renewable energy ambition?
*
India’s renewable energy ambitions will require a balanced and reliable power ecosystem. While renewable capacity will continue to scale rapidly, transitional power and flexible generation will remain important in ensuring grid stability, meeting peak demand and supporting RTC electricity availability.

As renewable energy penetration increases, the ecosystem will require flexible sources of power that can respond quickly to fluctuations in demand and supply. In the near to medium term, India will continue to require a diverse mix of energy sources, including thermal, hydro, nuclear, storage and renewable energy, to maintain reliability while the transition evolves.

The long-term direction remains towards cleaner energy systems, but a phased and balanced transition will be critical to supporting economic growth, industrial expansion and energy security.

*How do you view emerging opportunities in battery storage, green hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation?
*
The “era of electricity”, as I describe it, is creating entirely new opportunities across battery storage, green hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation. The electrification of transportation, growth in data centres and rising industrial demand will require reliable and flexible power systems at scale.
Battery storage is becoming one of the most important enablers of this transition. As renewable penetration increases, just building peak daytime energy is not going to solve the problem.

The focus is now shifting towards storage combined with renewable energy, despatchable clean power and RTC energy solutions. Green hydrogen will also become increasingly relevant, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors and industrial decarbonisation. Over time, industries will look for cleaner and more competitive energy pathways as carbon markets evolve and clean energy adoption accelerates.

*What is your outlook for India’s long-term electricity demand amid manufacturing expansion, electrification and AI-driven data centre growth?
*
India’s electricity demand is on a sustained upward trajectory, reinforced by both structural and cyclical factors. The recent heatwave conditions, such as in May 2026, have already pushed peak load to record levels of 270 GW, highlighting how climate stress is intensifying short-term consumption spikes alongside long-term growth trends.

Beyond seasonal demand, the bigger shift is coming from economic transformation. Manufacturing expansion is increasing industrial power requirements, the electrification of mobility is creating new categories of demand and artificial intelligence-led compute growth is accelerating the need for large-scale, green energy.
Together, these forces are reshaping India’s power system from one that is primarily driven by peak seasonal variation to one that is defined by consistently rising base demand and higher RTC consumption needs.

How can India advance energy security, affordability and sustainability simultaneously during its power transition?
India’s power system is expanding at a pace where balancing reliability, cost and decarbonisation has become essential rather than optional. Rising consumption from industrial growth, electrification and digital infrastructure is steadily increasing the need for continuous and scalable electricity supply.
Affordability remains critical to support manufacturing competitiveness and broad-based access, while energy security ensures the system can meet both expected and sudden variations in demand without disruption. Sustainability provides the long-term framework to align this expansion with emissions reduction goals.

Taken together, these three priorities are increasingly interdependent and progress in one without the others would limit the effectiveness and resilience of India’s overall energy transition.

About Ratul Puri:-

This content is taken by this source:

https://powerline.net.in/2026/07/10/hindustan-power-meeting-indias-rising-power-demand-with-integrated-solutions/

Mr. Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power

Ratul Puri — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:44:30 +0000

Q 1. Hindustan Power has been a pioneer in India’s renewable energy sector. Can you take us through the company’s journey and some of the key milestones that have shaped its growth?

India’s energy landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past two decades and Hindustan Power has been an integral part of that journey since its early stages. We entered the renewable energy sector when solar power was still an emerging technology and long before it became a central pillar of India’s energy transition.

Some of our early defining achievements include developing India’s first 5 MW solar power project (2010) and Asia’s first 30 MW solar PV project (2011). These projects were important not only because they broke new ground technologically, but because they demonstrated that large-scale renewable energy could be commercially viable and contribute meaningfully to the country’s energy mix.

As the sector evolved, so did our vision. We expanded our presence across renewable energy, transitional power generation and supporting infrastructure, building capabilities that allow us to address both sustainability and energy security requirements. In recent times, we have strengthened our focus on battery energy storage and integrated energy solutions, recognising that the future of the sector will be shaped by the reliable delivery of clean energy.

Today, as we work towards building a 5 GW energy portfolio, our focus remains steadfast on creating scalable, future ready infrastructure that supports India’s economic growth while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem.

Q 2. The company developed India’s first 5 MW solar plant and Asia’s first 30 MW solar PV project. How have these early achievements influenced your long-term strategy in clean energy?

Those projects were significant in terms of their scale at the time and in demonstrating that renewable energy could transition from concept to commercial viability. They gave us first-hand experience in developing, financing and operating large clean energy assets in a market that was still finding its footing.

More importantly, those early projects taught us that energy transitions are never static. Technologies evolve, customer expectations change and grid requirements become more complex. That understanding continues to shape our strategy today.

We are moving beyond a capacity-focused approach to renewables. We are focused on building energy systems that combine generation, storage, flexibility and reliability. The lessons from our early investments in solar energy taught us the value of staying ahead of technology cycles and anticipating future trends rather than simply responding to where the market stands today. That perspective continues to guide our investments and strategic priorities as the energy landscape evolves.

Q 3. As India accelerates its energy transition, what opportunities do you see for renewable energy developers in supporting the country’s sustainability and energy security goals?

India’s energy transition presents one of the most significant opportunities globally. As the country pursues rapid economic growth, industrial expansion and digital transformation, the demand for reliable, affordable and sustainable energy will continue to rise, creating substantial opportunities for renewable energy developers.

The opportunity today extends far beyond adding renewable energy capacity. Developers are increasingly becoming partners in strengthening energy security by delivering integrated energy solutions that enhance reliability, support grid stability and reduce dependence on imported fuels.

We are also witnessing new demand drivers emerge from manufacturing, digital infrastructure and data centres. These sectors require large volumes of clean electricity delivered consistently and competitively. Renewable energy developers that can combine scale, technology and execution excellence will play a critical role in supporting India’s sustainability goals while strengthening the country’s long-term energy resilience and energy security.

Q 4. Hindustan Power is actively expanding into solar-plus-storage solutions. How do you see battery energy storage transforming the renewable energy landscape in India?

Battery energy storage is set to become one of the defining technologies of India’s energy transition. Over the past decade, the focus was largely on adding renewable generation capacity. The future of the energy transition will be defined by aligning clean energy availability with consumer demand and usage patterns.

In many ways, storage is becoming the bridge between renewable energy generation and grid reliability. As renewable penetration increases, storage will play a critical role in balancing supply and demand, supporting grid stability and enabling round-the-clock clean power. It will also help cut down curtailment, manage peak demand and accelerate the adoption of renewable power on demand.

At Hindustan Power, we see storage as a strategic growth area and a key enabler of the future electricity system. As of 2025, we had expanded our battery storage portfolio to more than 750 MWh across multiple states, including projects with SECI, SJVN and BSPGCL. These investments reflect our belief that solar-plus-storage will increasingly become the preferred model for delivering reliable, flexible and scalable clean energy in India.

Q 5. The company operates across renewable and transitional energy businesses. How do you balance reliability, affordability, and sustainability while planning future projects?

Energy transition is often discussed in terms of sustainability, but long-term success will also be defined by reliability and affordability. These three objectives are interconnected and cannot be pursued in isolation.

Our planning approach is guided by a simple principle: every energy system must be able to provide dependable power at competitive costs while progressively reducing its environmental footprint. This requires a balanced portfolio approach that combines renewable energy growth with technologies and infrastructure capable of supporting grid stability.

As India’s power demand continues to grow, the transition must support economic development, industrial competitiveness and energy security. We therefore view renewable energy, energy storage and enabling infrastructure as complementary elements of an integrated energy ecosystem that can deliver sustainable, reliable and affordable power at scale.

Q 6. Innovation and large-scale project execution have been central to Hindustan Power’s success. What recent technological advancements or project developments are you most excited about?

One of the most exciting developments in the energy sector today is the convergence of renewable energy, battery storage and advanced power infrastructure. The industry is moving beyond standalone generation assets towards integrated energy systems that can deliver cleaner, more reliable and more flexible power.

From Hindustan Power’s perspective, the rapid scale-up of our battery energy storage portfolio is particularly encouraging. Storage is transforming the economics and operational capabilities of renewable energy by enabling firm and dispatchable power, which will become increasingly important as electricity demand continues to rise across industries, mobility and digital infrastructure.

Equally exciting is the pace at which solar-plus-storage projects are moving from concept to commercial deployment. We are seeing growing acceptance of dispatchable renewable power models across utilities and state agencies, creating opportunities to build energy infrastructure that combines clean generation with reliability and grid support.

We are also encouraged by advancements in ultra-supercritical generation technology, digital asset optimisation and predictive operational systems that are improving efficiency across the power value chain. As the energy landscape evolves, competitive advantage will come from combining diverse technologies to deliver cleaner, more reliable and more efficient energy solutions.

Q 7. Hindustan Power recently signed a 25-year Power Supply Agreement with MP Power Management Company for supplying 800 MW from its upcoming Anuppur project. How does this milestone align with the company’s long-term growth strategy and vision for India’s evolving power sector?

The agreement is a significant achievement.in our growth journey and reflects our long-term commitment to build large-scale power infrastructure that supports India’s development ambitions. The project will supply 800 MW of power to Madhya Pradesh under a 25-year agreement, providing long-term visibility while helping meet the state’s growing electricity requirements. It represents a significant addition to our long-term infrastructure portfolio and demonstrates our confidence in India’s rapidly evolving energy markets.

From a strategic perspective, the project reflects our belief that India’s energy transition will require both renewable energy expansion and dependable power infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth, industrialisation and rising electricity demand. Reliable baseload power will continue to play an important role as the country scales renewable energy and storage capacity.

The Anuppur project also builds on our established presence in Madhya Pradesh and demonstrates confidence in our ability to develop and operate large, technologically advanced energy assets. As India enters what I often describe as the “era of electricity”, projects of this scale will be essential in ensuring that energy security, affordability and sustainability progress together.

About Ratul Puri:-

Ratul Puriis the Chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with a strong presence in renewable and transitional energy generation. Over the years, Ratul Puri has been involved in the development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects that support India’s growing power requirements and its transition toward cleaner energy sources.

This content is taken by this source:

[https://www.renewablemirror.com/ratul-puri-says-hindustan-power-interview/

“Doing Solar Without Battery Makes Limited Sense”, Says Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power

Ratul Puri — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:24:01 +0000

_“I’m a strong believer in distributed generation. India is blessed with a high degree of solar radiation across most of the country. The idea of building solar entirely in Gujarat or Rajasthan and then building long transmission lines to take that power to the point of consumption doesn’t make sense in the long run.”
_

Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, believes India’s clean energy transition now hinges less on generation capacity and more on building the supporting ecosystem. In this conversation with BW Businessworld, he discusses why battery storage is becoming indispensable to renewable energy, the case for distributed generation, the rationale behind domestic manufacturing policies such as ALMM, the impact of AI-driven power demand, and the policy reforms needed to accelerate India’s energy transition while ensuring long-term investor confidence.

Battery storage in India has gained a lot of attention recently in the solar conversation. We have states like Rajasthan scaling aggressively. Does storage finally make commercial sense in India, or are the economics still dependent on policy support?
I think eventually battery is crucial, it’s the key that opens the renewable chain, it’s the key that will unlock the opportunity that exists within renewables. Doing solar without battery makes limited sense for India. Today, when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing, we are effectively firing up thermal power plants. Those plants are backed down during the day and brought back whenever there is lower solar or wind generation. We also have an evening peak, which means we are building thermal capacity to service that demand while backing it down during solar hours. That significantly adds to the overall cost of the grid. Storage is vital, and I believe India needs to push storage even if it appears uneconomical today. It is certainly more economical than building a new coal-fired power plant, a new coal mine, the rail infrastructure between the two and the transmission infrastructure, only to back that capacity down for several hours every day.

Storage will be the most significant investment India can make over the next five to ten years to enable the energy transition. Electricity is the future of energy, and we are seeing demand rise across residential, industrial, commercial, transportation and data centres. Without storage, solar and wind, I don’t think India can meet the aspirations of its 1.4 billion people. Storage is still expensive, but costs have come down sharply over the last two years. Battery costs have fallen by more than 60 per cent, while overall system costs have declined by around 35–40 per cent. We now need to create scale and learning capability, just as we did with solar, and eventually build domestic manufacturing. The West Asia conflict has shown us that for something as vital as electricity and energy, we need domestic supply chains.

Today, storage is viable for time-shifting energy. It is certainly cheaper to do that using batteries than by building a coal-fired power plant and backing it down during solar hours. Coal-fired power is still cheaper than solar plus battery, but if the choice is between a thermal plant that sleeps during the day and wakes up at night versus solar plus battery, then solar plus battery is the better combination.

When we talk about solar and even wind, there is increasing discussion that India is running out of commercially viable solar land — not just wastelands, but land that actually makes economic sense. Has land availability become the next major bottleneck for renewable energy growth?
I don’t believe so. Firstly, I’m a strong believer in distributed generation. India is blessed with a high degree of solar radiation across most of the country. The idea of building solar entirely in Gujarat or Rajasthan and then building long transmission lines to take that power to the point of consumption doesn’t make sense in the long run. Today, the government has effectively socialised the cost of transmission, but that’s not sustainable forever. Eventually, market economics have to come into play. If you look at the real delivered cost of energy, rather than just the cost of land, distributed generation across states makes much more sense.

There is sufficient non-productive, non-irrigated land available in every state that can deliver lower-cost energy than building solar only in Rajasthan and transmitting it across the country. Yes, land may be cheaper and easier to acquire there, but once you factor in transmission costs, local generation can be more economical. I don’t believe land is running out. Land acquisition in India is certainly a challenge because of land records, litigation and disputes, but that’s part of the developer’s job. A developer has to identify the right combination of sunlight, land and grid connectivity. That’s where value creation lies.

People often say you could generate enough energy for the world from a relatively small area in the Sahara Desert. While that may be true in theory, you still have to transmit that electricity to where it is needed. The same principle applies within India. You can live with slightly lower solar radiation or somewhat higher land costs if you’re saving substantially on transmission. I believe there is enough barren or low-productivity land across states to support India’s renewable energy ambitions. The focus should be on delivering the lowest-cost energy to consumers, and in many cases that means generating power closer to where it will be consumed.

India recently strengthened the ALMM policy to boost domestic manufacturing, but developers have spoken about higher costs and supply disruptions. Has the policy delivered more benefits than challenges so far?
I think if, as a nation, we want to build domestic capacity and domestic supply chains, we have to encourage domestic manufacturing. ALMM and domestic content requirements are an important part of that. Every industry needs some time to stand on its own feet. If you protect domestic industry for a period, you will see capacity coming in. If you look at module manufacturing, India has built very large manufacturing capacity in a short span of time — probably the second or third largest in the world by all accounts. That has happened because of positive policy support from the government. You need to handhold industry, give it a runway to achieve scale and become competitive with China and other global manufacturers.

Now the government is stepping further back in the value chain, and I think that’s the right approach. Are there challenges? Absolutely. Today, sufficient cell manufacturing capacity does not exist in the country. Developers with large project pipelines are finding it difficult to secure cells, and the entire supply chain is under pressure. But that’s how markets work. Manufacturers who invested early in cell capacity are benefiting today because they took the investment risk. Domestic cell prices have risen sharply, creating enough profit incentive for more companies to invest. I believe that within the next year and a half to two years, significant additional cell manufacturing capacity will come up.

Yes, this has been a challenge for developers and it could slow the pace of solar capacity addition in the near term. But in the long run, it will drive investment in domestic cell manufacturing, and that’s good for India. We want to build cost-competitive domestic supply chains, but we have to handhold our own industry for some time. It cannot be never-ending protection. You have to let the industry grow, gain experience and then compete globally on its own. That’s why I believe the policy has been positive for India, even though it has undoubtedly created short-term challenges for developers.

When we talk about energy consumption, one of the biggest expected demand drivers is artificial intelligence, data centres and industrial electrification. Is India’s renewable and grid infrastructure ready for this next phase of demand growth?
I think AI is real. It’s clear that it’s happening. As a nation, we have a great opportunity because one of the biggest bottlenecks in creating data centre capacity anywhere in the world is the availability of electricity. Eventually, AI comes down to processing power, energy and algorithms. Of those, the two real bottlenecks are GPU capacity and energy. India has an opportunity to attract a significant amount of data centre and compute capacity because intelligence is moving closer to the edge. As inference-related computing grows, capacity will move closer to where consumers are. At the same time, creating new capacity in markets like the US, Europe and Japan is becoming increasingly difficult. That creates an opportunity for India.

Is the grid a bottleneck? Yes, it is. But the grid is also being built out. In fact, these transmission constraints should encourage more distributed renewable generation. If you’re setting up a large data centre in Maharashtra or Andhra Pradesh, you would want a local supply chain and generation capacity located nearby rather than depending on power transmitted over long distances. In the longer term, you’re better off having the solar plant closer to the load centre than relying on transmission lines that operate at only around a 20–23 per cent plant load factor and remain underutilised for much of the time. I believe these bottlenecks will eventually get addressed because demand itself will drive investment. As data centres expand, they will encourage the creation of local renewable generation and strengthen regional power infrastructure. That’s the direction India should move towards.

Renewable energy tariffs have become increasingly aggressive in recent auctions. Is the industry prioritising growth over profitability, and does that pose a long-term risk for the sector?
Certainly, competition is intense. Generally, tariffs today are not remunerative on a risk-adjusted basis. At the same time, there is a significant amount of global capital looking to fund the energy transition, and some of that capital is finding its way to India. That’s one of the reasons we’ve seen such a large build-out of solar capacity over the last five years. I do believe that, in this phase of growth, developers are pricing projects too aggressively without factoring in all the risks. The cycle won’t always remain favourable. Today, you have ALMM changes, supply constraints, rupee-dollar fluctuations, higher shipping costs and overall inflation. I don’t think many developers fully built these factors into their calculations. While you can’t predict every event, such as geopolitical disruptions, you would normally factor in exchange rate movements and inflation while bidding.

We’ve seen similar cycles in transmission and thermal power. Developers bid aggressively, returns don’t materialise, and eventually the sector consolidates. The financially disciplined developers emerge stronger because they haven’t taken risks without adequately pricing them. I don’t know if there’s a simple solution because you still need a competitive bidding process. Perhaps there is a need to strengthen the implementation framework, particularly the penalties for projects that are not executed. That may encourage developers to build a more realistic assessment of risk into their bids.

If there was one policy intervention the government could implement over the next two years to materially accelerate India’s clean energy transition, what would it be and why?
I don’t think this applies only to clean energy. It applies to building India’s infrastructure overall. Stability of policy is a crucial aspect. It is the government’s job to make policy interventions and change policy when required, but I believe there is a need to make those interventions less frequent. We need a longer horizon when it comes to policy, along with a proper grandfathering period. If the government decides to change a policy, it should announce it today but make it effective three or five years later. That gives developers and investors enough time to plan for the change instead of having to react immediately.

The second issue is dispute resolution. India needs to address the time it takes to settle commercial disputes. This is particularly important in the energy sector. We created separate regulatory bodies and dispute resolution mechanisms through the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Appellate Tribunal, but there are still significant bottlenecks in these forums. I think India needs to improve dispute resolution across the board — both in the courts and within the regulatory system. Policy stability and faster dispute resolution go hand in hand. Both reduce risk for investors, and lower investor risk ultimately translates into lower tariffs and makes India more cost competitive.

About Ratul Puri:-

This content is taken by this source:-

https://www.businessworld.in/article/doing-solar-without-battery-makes-limited-sense-says-ratul-puri-chairman-hindustan-power-613246

Ratul Puri on Renewable Energy, Battery Storage and India's Evolving Power Sector

Ratul Puri — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:19:25 +0000

Ratul Puri shares insights on renewable energy, battery storage and the technologies shaping India’s energy transition and future power needs.
Renewable energy growth, battery storage systems and grid reliability are becoming increasingly important for meeting India’s future energy needs, according to Ratul Puri.

India’s power sector is undergoing a significant transformation as rising electricity demand from manufacturing, digital infrastructure, data centres and emerging industries coincide with the country’s expanding renewable energy ambitions. This evolving demand profile is increasing the importance of reliable power delivery, energy storage and grid flexibility across the sector.
According to Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, the future of the sector will be shaped not only by renewable energy generation but also by the ability to deliver power reliably and efficiently. As electricity demand continues to grow, storage, transmission infrastructure and grid resilience are becoming increasingly important components of India’s energy transition.

Building on Early Renewable Energy Projects

Hindustan Power has been contributing to India’s renewable energy sector since its early days. The company developed India’s first 5 MW solar power project in 2010 and Asia’s first 30 MW solar PV project in 2011, at a time when utility-scale solar was still emerging as a viable source of electricity generation.
These projects demonstrated the growing potential of renewable energy and provided valuable insights into developing, financing and operating large-scale clean energy infrastructure. They also highlighted the importance of adapting to changing technologies, evolving customer requirements and increasingly complex power systems.
This experience has helped shape the company’s current approach. Beyond renewable energy generation, the focus is increasingly on developing integrated energy systems that combine generation, storage, flexibility and reliability to support changing market requirements.

Opportunities in India’s Energy Transition India’s energy

transition presents significant opportunities as economic activities continue to expand and electricity demand rises across industries, manufacturing facilities and digital infrastructure.
According to Ratul Puri, the opportunity extends beyond renewable energy capacity additions. Energy developers are also contributing to energy security by supporting grid reliability, improving efficiency and helping build infrastructure capable of meeting future demand.

The growing requirement for clean and dependable electricity from sectors such as manufacturing, data centres and digital infrastructure is expected to create further opportunities for companies capable of delivering reliable energy solutions at scale.

Why Battery Energy Storage Is Becoming Important

Battery energy storage is becoming an increasingly important component of India’s power sector. As renewable energy capacity continues to expand, storage systems help balance electricity supply and demand while supporting greater grid stability and flexibility.
Battery storage also supports grid balancing, frequency management and peak-load optimisation, making it an increasingly important component of modern power systems as renewable energy penetration continues to rise.

Ratul Puri views storage as an important link between renewable energy generation and reliable power delivery. Battery systems can help reduce curtailment, manage peak demand and support the delivery of clean power when it is needed most.
Recognising this requirement, Hindustan Power has expanded its battery energy storage portfolio across multiple states. The company’s investments reflect its view that solar-plus-storage solutions will play an increasingly important role in delivering reliable and flexible clean energy while supporting long-term grid stability.

Balancing Reliability, Affordability and Sustainability

As India’s energy sector evolves, reliability, affordability and sustainability must advance together. Long-term success will depend on maintaining a balance between these priorities while ensuring that electricity remains accessible and dependable.
Meeting rising electricity demand requires a combination of renewable energy, storage technologies and supporting infrastructure that can provide reliable power while maintaining cost competitiveness.

This balanced approach is becoming increasingly important as India continues to expand its industrial base, strengthen energy security and support sustained economic growth.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

Technology continues to influence the way energy is generated, stored and delivered. Advancements in battery storage, solar-plus-storage solutions, digital asset management and operational optimisation systems are helping improve efficiency across the power sector.
According to Ratul Puri, the industry is steadily moving beyond standalone generation assets towards integrated energy systems capable of delivering cleaner, reliable and more flexible power.
Digital monitoring tools, predictive maintenance technologies and advanced operational systems are also helping improve the performance and reliability of energy infrastructure, supporting better utilisation of assets and improved operational efficiency.
As electricity demand continues to increase, these technologies are expected to play a larger role in supporting efficient and dependable power delivery.

Supporting India’s Growing Power Requirements

While renewable energy and storage are becoming increasingly important, dependable long-duration power supply remains essential for supporting industrial growth and rising electricity consumption.
Reflecting this requirement, Hindustan Power recently signed a 25-year Power Supply Agreement with MP Power Management Company for the supply of 800 MW from its upcoming Anuppur project. The agreement supports the long-term power requirements of Madhya Pradesh while contributing to energy security and economic development.
For Ratul Puri, projects of this nature demonstrate the importance of maintaining a balanced energy mix capable of supporting India’s growing electricity needs as the economy continues to expand.
The project also reflects the broader view that renewable energy growth, storage solutions and dependable power infrastructure must work together to support future demand.
India’s power sector is entering a new phase where renewable energy, battery storage and reliable power infrastructure will all play important roles. As electricity demand continues to rise, the focus is increasingly shifting towards solutions that combine sustainability, reliability and affordability.
Through investments across renewable energy, battery storage and large-scale power infrastructure, Hindustan Power continues to expand its presence across the sector. The company’s approach reflects the growing importance of integrated energy systems that can support India’s evolving power requirements.
For Ratul Puri, the focus remains on developing energy infrastructure that can support long-term economic growth while contributing to a more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy future.

About Ratul Puri:

About Hindustan Power:

Ratul Puri Charts a Decisive Pivot in India’s Energy Transition

Ratul Puri — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:16:49 +0000

Ratul Puri has spent the years following his 2016 appearance at Davos building a practical, execution-heavy path in the Indian power sector. This transition focuses on the technical work required to stabilize the national grid through a “Solar India 2.0” vision. The objective is to treat clean energy as an engineering challenge, moving from intermittent generation towards providing stable, 24/7 power. A major part of this strategy involves Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). By integrating large-scale storage with solar generation, the aim is to ensure renewable energy is as reliable and dispatchable as conventional power. This approach addresses the fundamental issue of solar availability, making it a more viable long-term alternative for the grid.

The impact of this shift is reflected in several projects secured between late 2025 and early 2026. This includes a contract from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for a project featuring 300 MWp of solar and 360 MWh of storage.

Other developments during this period involve a 100 MW solar project with 200 MWh of storage from SJVN, a 120 MWh standalone storage project in Bihar, and the commencement of a 435 MWp solar project in Uttar Pradesh. These initiatives are part of a broader target to reach a 5 GW energy portfolio by 2028.

Regional partnerships have also been established to address specific state requirements, particularly in Assam. In early 2026, a Power Supply Agreement was signed to deliver 130 MW to the state, alongside a ₹620-crore MoU for a 100 MW solar plant integrated with battery storage.

The focus on these tangible assets reflects a shift towards long-term delivery. By centering on the practical mechanics of the grid rather than the visibility of global forums, Ratul Puri is anchoring his efforts in the work needed to secure India’s energy future. This move towards storage-led infrastructure signals a commitment to the physical reality of a clean energy transition.

*About Ratul Puri: *

Ratul Puri is the Chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with a strong presence in renewable and transitional energy. Over the years, he has been involved in the development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects that support India’s growing power requirements and its transition toward cleaner energy sources.

Ratul Puri on Renewable Energy, Battery Storage and India’s Evolving Power Sector

Ratul Puri — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:56:52 +0000

India’s energy sector is changing as the country balances growing electricity demand with its sustainability goals. Industrial growth, manufacturing expansion, digital infrastructure and data centres are increasing the need for reliable power, while renewable energy continues to play a larger role in the energy mix.

According to Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, the future of the sector will be shaped not only by renewable energy generation but also by the ability to deliver power reliably and efficiently. As energy demand grows, storage, flexibility and grid stability are becoming increasingly important.

Building on Early Renewable Energy Projects

Hindustan Power has been part of India’s renewable energy sector since its early stages. The company developed India’s first 5 MW solar power project in 2010 and Asia’s first 30 MW solar PV project in 2011. These projects helped demonstrate that large-scale renewable energy could be commercially viable while contributing to the country’s growing power requirements.

Ratul Puri believes that these early projects provided valuable experience in developing, financing and operating large clean energy assets. More importantly, they highlighted the importance of adapting to changing technologies, evolving customer requirements and increasingly complex grid systems.

This experience has shaped the company’s current approach. Rather than focusing only on renewable energy capacity, Hindustan Power is increasingly focused on energy systems that combine generation, storage, flexibility and reliability.

Opportunities in India’s Energy Transition

India’s energy transition presents significant opportunities for renewable energy developers. As economic activity expands and electricity demand rises across industries, manufacturing facilities and digital infrastructure, the need for dependable and sustainable power solutions continues to grow.

According to Ratul Puri, the opportunity extends beyond adding renewable energy capacity. Energy developers are also helping strengthen energy security by supporting grid reliability, improving efficiency and reducing dependence on imported fuels.

The growing demand for clean electricity from sectors such as manufacturing, data centres and digital infrastructure is expected to create further opportunities for companies that can deliver reliable energy solutions at scale.

Why Battery Energy Storage Is Becoming Important

Battery energy storage is becoming an increasingly important part of India’s energy sector. As renewable energy capacity continues to grow, storage systems help balance electricity supply and demand while supporting grid stability.

Recognising this need, Hindustan Power has expanded its battery energy storage portfolio across multiple states. The company’s investments reflect its view that solar-plus-storage solutions will play an increasingly important role in delivering reliable and flexible clean energy.

Balancing Reliability, Affordability and Sustainability

As India’s energy sector evolves, reliability, affordability and sustainability must work together. Ratul Puri believes that long-term success depends on maintaining a balance between these priorities rather than focusing on one objective alone.

Meeting rising electricity demand requires a combination of renewable energy, storage technologies and supporting infrastructure that can ensure dependable power supply while keeping costs competitive.

This approach is particularly important as India continues to expand its industrial base, strengthen energy security and support economic growth.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

Technology continues to influence the way energy is generated, stored and delivered. Developments in battery storage, solar-plus-storage projects and digital asset management systems are helping improve efficiency across the power sector.

According to Ratul Puri, the industry is moving beyond standalone generation assets towards integrated energy systems that can provide cleaner and more reliable power. Advances in digital optimisation and operational systems are also helping improve the performance of energy infrastructure.

As electricity demand continues to increase, these technologies are expected to play a larger role in supporting efficient and reliable power delivery.

Supporting India’s Growing Power Requirements

Alongside renewable energy expansion, large-scale power infrastructure remains important for meeting the country’s growing electricity needs.

One example is Hindustan Power’s 25-year Power Supply Agreement with MP Power Management Company for supplying 800 MW from its upcoming Anuppur project. Ratul Puri considers the project an important step in supporting long-term electricity demand while contributing to energy security and economic development.

The project also reflects the view that renewable energy growth and dependable power infrastructure must work together as India’s energy requirements continue to increase.

Conclusion

India’s energy sector is entering a new phase where renewable energy, battery storage and reliable power infrastructure will all play important roles. As electricity demand continues to rise, the focus is increasingly shifting towards solutions that combine sustainability, reliability and affordability.

Through its investments in renewable energy, battery storage and large-scale power projects, Hindustan Power continues to expand its presence across the sector. For Ratul Puri, the focus remains on developing energy systems that can support India’s growing power needs while contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.

About Ratul Puri:

Ratul Puri is the Chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with a strong presence in renewable and transitional energy. Over the years, Ratul Puri has been actively involved in developing large-scale energy infrastructure projects that support India’s growing power requirements and its transition toward cleaner energy sources.

About Hindustan Power:

Hindustan Power is a leading integrated power generation company in India with a focus on renewable and transitional energy generation. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, the company has been an active contributor to India’s energy transformation.

Ratul Puri highlights: How AI can optimise energy consumption and accelerate net-zero transition

Ratul Puri — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:06:16 +0000

AI increases electricity demand through data centres but can improve grid efficiency, cut emissions, boost innovation, and support net-zero goals.

In almost every industry worldwide, artificial intelligence has become ubiquitous, including the energy sector. However, AI itself needs massive amounts of energy to operate its programmes. The training and deployment of AI models requires large, power-guzzling data centres. Without electricity, AI systems cannot function. Yet, AI could potentially transform the energy industry by facilitating a reliable, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity. Ratul Puri, chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with a strong presence in renewable and transitional energy generation, added that “AI will play an important role in making energy systems more efficient and stable in the coming years.”

Paradoxical Relationship Between Electricity and Data Centres

One must understand this link to leverage the benefits of AI and accelerate the journey towards the net-zero target by 2070 or earlier. To begin with, an AI-centric data centre typically consumes electricity that can run 100,000 homes. However, the largest ones being constructed today will require 20 times this amount. Worldwide, investment in data centres has increased sharply in recent years, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services. This expansion has raised growing concerns about rising electricity demand and the pressure it places on existing power systems. Data centres are already a significant consumer of global electricity and their share is expected to increase further as AI adoption accelerates across industries. At the same time, this surge in demand is pushing governments and energy companies to rethink how power is generated, distributed and managed in a more efficient and sustainable way.

Despite their power-guzzling nature, AI can revolutionise energy consumption and boost grid performance by enabling more efficient, smarter use of electricity. By 2030, smart grid technology and AI-linked energy efficiency are projected to create almost $1.3 trillion in economic value. Moreover, AI could potentially lower global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by 5 to 10%, equal to the EU’s yearly emissions. Ratul Puri highlighted that “digital technologies can support large-scale emission reduction when applied across energy systems.”

In this scenario, focusing solely on oosting electricity generation will not work. To deliver the requisite energy that AI needs, policymakers should also consider the infrastructure, which will call for more grid investments, while making the overall electricity ecosystem more efficient and flexible.

Again, it is AI that could help transform the energy industry by helping companies optimise exploration, production, safety and maintenance models. By using AI tools judiciously, a huge quantum of electricity transmission capacity can be freed without erecting even one new line. Given the current shortfalls in the industry, a vibrant partnership between public and private players is necessary to achieve this goal. Apart from infrastructure, this includes the objective of building proper digital skills among energy workers. Ratul Puri further added that “technology and skilled manpower must grow together for the energy sector to become future ready.”

Additionally, innovations are needed in the energy industry to surmount current challenges and come up with novel solutions. Here again, AI can assist in driving accelerated innovations in this space. Interestingly, challenges in energy innovation are precisely the type of problems that AI is adept at solving. For instance, barely 0.01% of next-gen solar PV materials have been produced experimentally. Therefore, an immense set of potential materials is yet to be explored. Using AI, scientists could drastically fast-forward the process of discovering and testing prospective materials, carbon capture molecules and battery chemistry. Of course, proper policies are essential to back AI-driven inventions and accelerate commercialisation, which is usually a bigger hurdle for new products rather than the discovery stage.

Surmounting Barriers to Meet Net-Zero Goals

Since energy is one of the most critical and complex segments worldwide, AI must be leveraged fully to capitalise on its tremendous potential and benefits. Widespread AI adoption will require overcoming hurdles such as a lack of adequately skilled workers. Compared to other sectors, the low prevalence of AI-related skills hinders the energy industry. Meanwhile, a decline in computation costs, along with a rise in technical breakthroughs and data availability, is enhancing the capabilities of AI. Simultaneously, electricity consumption in data centres is poised to rise more than 2X, reaching approximately 945 TWh by 2030. This is somewhat higher than Japan’s current overall electricity consumption.

In the interim, electricity grids are under severe pressure in multiple regions. If such issues are unresolved, about one-fifth of the proposed data centre projects would be delayed. As electricity grids grow more complex, digitalised and decentralised, AI can play a pivotal role in balancing these networks. AI can also boost forecasting and integration of variable renewable energy generation while lowering curtailment and emissions. With AI-based fault detection, companies could swiftly and precisely pinpoint grid faults, ensuring 30-50% lower outage durations. AI-based management and remote sensors could enhance transmission line capacities. If these tools are utilised, almost 175 GW of transmission capacity can be unlocked without a single new line being built.

The overall impact of AI on emissions and climate change will be contingent on how AI applications are launched, their relevant business cases and the incentives available, as well as how swiftly regulatory frameworks keep up with the fast-changing AI landscape. In a nutshell, companies and countries that manage these challenges seamlessly will be better placed to optimise their energy resources and move forward steadily towards net-zero targets and timelines.

About Ratul Puri:-

About Hindustan Power:-

Hindustan Power is an integrated power generation company focused on renewable and transitional energy. The company has been actively contributing to India’s energy transformation through the development of solar power and other energy infrastructure projects.

DEV Community: Ratul Puri

Ratul Puri: India's Renewable Energy Transition – Balancing Flexibility and Reliability

The silent, systemic shift

What is driving this shift?

The role of storage and infrastructure

*Strengthening grid readiness *

Concluding thoughts

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Ratul Puri on Renewable Energy: The Next Phase of Growth will be Reliable Power Delivery

Curtailment Highlights the Need for Stronger Energy Infrastructure

Transmission and Grid Flexibility Will Define the Next Stage

Moving Towards an Integrated Energy Future

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Ratul Puri on Integrated Energy Infrastructure: Why India Must Move Beyond Renewable Capacity Addition

Ratul Puri on Building Integrated Energy Solutions for India's Rising Power Demand

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About Hindustan Power:

Ratul Puri: India's Net Zero Future Depends on Building an Integrated Energy System

Hindustan Power: Meeting India’s rising power demand with integrated solutions

Mr. Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power

Q 1. Hindustan Power has been a pioneer in India’s renewable energy sector. Can you take us through the company’s journey and some of the key milestones that have shaped its growth?

Q 2. The company developed India’s first 5 MW solar plant and Asia’s first 30 MW solar PV project. How have these early achievements influenced your long-term strategy in clean energy?

Q 3. As India accelerates its energy transition, what opportunities do you see for renewable energy developers in supporting the country’s sustainability and energy security goals?

Q 4. Hindustan Power is actively expanding into solar-plus-storage solutions. How do you see battery energy storage transforming the renewable energy landscape in India?

Q 6. Innovation and large-scale project execution have been central to Hindustan Power’s success. What recent technological advancements or project developments are you most excited about?

Q 7. Hindustan Power recently signed a 25-year Power Supply Agreement with MP Power Management Company for supplying 800 MW from its upcoming Anuppur project. How does this milestone align with the company’s long-term growth strategy and vision for India’s evolving power sector?

About Ratul Puri:-

“Doing Solar Without Battery Makes Limited Sense”, Says Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power

Ratul Puri on Renewable Energy, Battery Storage and India's Evolving Power Sector

Building on Early Renewable Energy Projects

Opportunities in India’s Energy Transition India’s energy

Why Battery Energy Storage Is Becoming Important

Balancing Reliability, Affordability and Sustainability

The Role of Technology and Innovation

Supporting India’s Growing Power Requirements

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Ratul Puri Charts a Decisive Pivot in India’s Energy Transition

Ratul Puri on Renewable Energy, Battery Storage and India’s Evolving Power Sector

Ratul Puri highlights: How AI can optimise energy consumption and accelerate net-zero transition

Paradoxical Relationship Between Electricity and Data Centres

Surmounting Barriers to Meet Net-Zero Goals

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About Hindustan Power:-

Strengthening grid readiness