ReNew’s 400MW Solar Project in Rajasthan Highlights Major Step in Expanding India’s Renewable Energy and Local Manufacturing Capacity

ReNew, an Indian renewable energy developer has successfully commissioned a major 400MW solar project in Rajasthan. This project is part of a larger 600MW solar facility, which will generate electricity to be sold to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for the next 25 years under a power purchase agreement (PPA).

The company plans to complete the remaining 200MW of this facility by October 2024, demonstrating its commitment to expanding solar power capacity in India.

The 400MW solar project represents a significant milestone for ReNew, marking it as one of the company’s largest developments to date.

Earlier in the year, ReNew announced plans to add 800MW of new solar capacity through new Indian projects and revealed a partnership with Malaysian firm Gentari to develop a total of 5GW in renewable power capacity. This underscores ReNew’s aggressive expansion strategy in the Indian renewable sector.

ReNew’s commitment to Rajasthan is highlighted by its substantial investments in the region. Currently, ReNew has around 4000MW of its approximate 10GW of operational capacity in Rajasthan, with investments exceeding INR 210 billion (US$2.5 billion).

This includes a significant 4GW solar module manufacturing facility in Jaipur. ReNew’s CEO, Sumant Sinha, has expressed a strong commitment to continuing growth in Rajasthan and increasing the company’s overall portfolio.

This development is part of a broader trend in the Indian renewable sector, reflecting a global shift towards reducing reliance on Chinese solar products.

The establishment of new manufacturing facilities by companies like First Solar and the emphasis on local production underscore this trend. The growth in India’s manufacturing capacity is seen as a strategic move to enhance energy security and reduce dependency on imports.

The new solar project aligns with India’s goals of diversifying its energy mix and reducing power costs for consumers. Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma noted that the project will provide electricity at lower rates, benefiting both consumers and the government.

Additionally, recent SECI tenders and new contracts, such as those awarded to Sterling & Wilson for a 20MW floating solar project, indicate a continued expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in India.