RenewX 2024 powering the green revolution in India

Leading expos showcase green energy solutions and foster collaboration among industry experts and stakeholders.

Informa Markets in India, a leading B2B exhibition organiser, successfully launched the 8th edition of RenewX at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad. This dedicated expo showcases South India’s renewable energy innovations, focusing on sustainability and green energy. The event saw a significant turnout, with around 5000 visitors exploring innovations presented by over 150 domestic and international exhibitors.

The event brought together manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and experts, including energy consultants, independent power producers, EPCs, distributors and dealers, system installers and integrators, and regulatory bodies. This provided valuable insights and new opportunities in the energy sector.

The grand opening of the esteemed expo was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including Chief Guest Bhagyathej Reddy, Director of Power & Utilities at PwC; N Janaiah, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited; Ajay Mishra, I.A.S., presently Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Telangana State Advisor, Energy Committees, Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hyderabad; Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Chair of the Energy Committee at The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India; and Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director of the Energy portfolio at Informa Markets in India, among other distinguished guests.

Highlighting the importance of the renewable energy sector, Ajay Mishra, Telangana State Advisor, Energy Committees, Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “The renewable energy scenario in India, particularly in South India and Telangana, presents an interesting scenario with the simultaneous growth in both renewable energy and fossil fuels. Despite this situation, there has been significant growth in non-fossil fuel energy capacity. However, alongside this growth, there has also been a 15-gigawatt addition in the renewable energy sector, accompanied by an 11–12 percent increase in coal production. While South India leads in renewable energy capacities, cities like Chennai and Bangalore remain top for carbon emissions per GDP ratio. These cities are generally more developed than Hyderabad, resulting in higher carbon emissions due to increased electricity and energy consumption. Telangana’s per capita energy consumption is approximately 2,000 units per year, significantly higher than the national average of 1,300 units per capita. However, balancing this against rising carbon emissions remains a challenge. We need to find innovative solutions to decrease carbon emissions further.”

Janaiah, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited, said, “The initiative by the Government of India and the Telangana government consistently focuses on achieving net-zero targets. However, the low penetration of rooftop solar systems, especially in the domestic sector, remains a concern. Of the total 72 gigawatts of solar energy capacity in India, only 11 gigawatts are from rooftop solar installations, with a mere 2.7 gigawatts attributed to the domestic sector. The focus now is on decentralised solar systems, which promise reduced energy losses, better power quality, and easier maintenance. Installing 3-kilowatt rooftop solar systems in 25 crore households across India could add 6.3 gigawatts to the grid, significantly contributing to achieving 500 GW by 2030. There is a need to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems, even though recent policies such as those of PM Surya Dharm and Bijli Arjuna have been promoting these.”

Bhagyathej Reddy, Director of Power & Utilities, PwC, said, “Net Zero Carbon India represents a crucial step towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Despite its low per capita emissions, India has pledged to achieve net zero by 2070. To meet these commitments, the Indian government has taken significant steps, earmarking close to 35,000 crore for capital investments in the energy transition. Initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission have identified production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for electrolyser manufacturing. Seven Indian states, including Telangana, are part of the UNDER2 coalition, aiming to reach net zero by 2050.

Additionally, initiatives like the National Clean Energy Programme and the FAME scheme have been instrumental in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. India’s commitment to increasing its carbon sink by creating additional forest and tree cover is another significant step towards achieving net zero. With a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development, India is on track to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for future generations.”

Underscoring the importance of Net Zero Carbon India, Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Chair of the Energy Committee at The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said, “With over 150 top corporate exhibitors, RenewX 2024 presents Telangana with a significant opportunity to leverage the renewable energy sector. We are committed to supporting the Telangana government’s proactive steps towards promoting green energy, aiming to achieve our goal of becoming a net-zero carbon state by 2050. Telangana’s strategic geographical location and abundant solar and wind resources position us to lead the charge towards a greener future. We strive to support industries and advise the government on policies beneficial to the state and the industry.”

Highlighting the importance of the event, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, said, “RenewX is the premier sourcing fair for renewable energy in South India, bringing together key stakeholders from the industry. This creates a dynamic landscape ripe for innovation and entrepreneurial ventures, underscoring India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its leadership in the renewable energy sector. India boasts a vast pool of young and dynamic talent. In recent years, the government has spearheaded numerous initiatives to position the country as an attractive manufacturing destination on the global stage. This includes the record addition of renewable energy capacity, with 18.48 GW added in 2023–24, over 21 percent higher than the previous year. Throughout these eight editions, RenewX has firmly established itself as an indispensable event within regional shows, boasting top-line exhibitors and attracting key industry thought leaders. Looking forward, we are excited to announce that we want to embark on the next level of growth path for South India’s premier renewable energy show as we take it to Chennai, opening fresh opportunities for collaboration and innovation.”

BH Raghuram, CEO of NED Energy Limited, said, “India aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. This initiative opens up new horizons for renewable energy in India. Government support is crucial for the renewable industry to thrive. Restricting the import of cheap materials and promoting local entrepreneurship are essential.

It’s time for Indian corporations to embrace newer technologies, benefiting the industry and end-users. NED Energy is committed to showcasing products critical for India’s renewable sector and is working closely with state nodal agencies to make renewable energy affordable with top-quality products.

Telangana, a forward-looking state, is spearheading various initiatives to promote e-mobility. The latest policy aims to establish Telangana as a global centre for research and innovation in electric vehicles and other emerging technologies. However, the varying regulatory frameworks and short-term policies pose investment challenges, especially in sectors like biomass that lack an established framework.”

RenewX 2024 presents an enriching programme of conferences, including the CEO Roundtable, focusing on net-zero strategies, synergies, and sustainable growth in India. The expo will cover essential discussions around ‘India as the next manufacturing hub for the global renewable energy sector’,  ‘Decoding the Future of Grid-Scale Energy Storage’, ‘Innovation and Technology Accelerating a Net Zero Economy’, ‘South India’s Renewable Energy Potential to Net Zero in E-Mobility’, ‘Policy Advocacy and Research in the Field of AgriPV India’, ‘Bioenergy: A Nature-Based Solution for the Emerging Indian Market’, and ‘Future of Renewable Energy Generation in India: Opportunities and Challenges Assigned with It.’

Distinguished speakers graced the event, including notable figures like Rudranil Roysharma, Director, Energy & Environment (MEASA), Frost & Sullivan; Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Managing Director, MPL Group, Chair, Energy Committee; Deepak Jain, President, Grew Energy Private Limited; Roopesh Hira, Vice President, Domestic Sales, Vikram Solar; C Niranjan, Associate Vice President, Operations, Amara Raja Batteries Ltd; Manoj Morampudi, Technical Manager, Energy Storage, Jinko Solar; Swapnil Wakade, Business Head, Rooftop Solar, Ecofy, and others.

The event featured a wide array of domestic and international participants, including renowned names like Emmvee Photovoltaic, Vikram Solar, Pahal Solar Pvt Ltd, Jinko Solar, NED Energy Limited, Grew Energy, Rayzon Green Energies, Exide Industries, Luminous Power Technologies, Microtek, Livguard Solar, Impulse Green Energy, and Icon Solar, to name a few. With the valuable support of TSREDCO (Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd.), IBA (Indian Biogas Association), IGEF (Indo German Energy Forum), TELMA, TSEA (Telangana Solar Energy Association), Frost & Sullivan, Wood Mackenzie, Yole Group, National Highway for EV, and Ease of Doing Business, the event successfully bridged the gap between suppliers and buyers.

India’s Renewable Energy Progress:

India is poised to lead the transition towards a sustainable future with abundant renewable resources and a growing interest in e-mobility. Leveraging these resources, South India can reduce its carbon footprint, drive economic growth, and enhance energy security. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society can accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future. India’s ambitious ‘India Battery Manufacturing Vision’ aims to achieve over 500 GWh capacity by 2035, attracting USD 35 billion in investments. Additionally, the Indian government has invested over 70 billion US dollars in solar and renewable energy sources in the last seven years, establishing India as the third-largest solar power capacity in the world. With a strong focus on sustainability and clean energy, South India is experiencing a rapid expansion in solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and entrepreneurial ventures.