ReNew, Fluence to set up local JV to boost energy storage sector

The new company will provide energy storage solutions to a diversified customer base in the Indian energy market.

Fluence and ReNew Power recently announced an agreement to form a new company to meet the needs of local customers across India that will address the fast-developing energy storage market in India.

ReNew Power and Fluence’s 50:50 JV will cater to a market projected to reach 27GW/108GWh by 2030, according to India’s Central Electricity Authority. Managed and operated by an independent management team and board, the JV aims to bring market-leading energy storage technology and global experience to Indian customers by localising and integrating Fluence’s energy storage products and packages in India.

Energy storage will be a key enabler to achieve India’s climate goal of 450 GW of renewable capacity addition by 2030. ReNew has a head-start in India’s stationary energy storage space via its intelligent energy solution portfolio that currently consists of the 300 MW Peak Power Project and a 400 MW Round-the-Clock Power Project.

With these marquee projects, ReNew sees huge value in India’s fledgling energy storage sector and is entering into the JV with Fluence to offer BESS solutions to varied customers in the Indian market, including EPC and asset management services.

Speaking about the partnership, Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO, ReNew Power said, “India’s energy transition and its ambition to achieve net-zero by 2070 calls for strong and rapid storage integration with the grid. We’re delighted to partner with Fluence, a global market leader in energy storage products and services, to bring localised solutions for India.”

Manuel Pérez Dubuc,  CEO, Fluence, said, “Fluence is committed to accelerating India’s clean energy transition. We will support the country’s ambitious climate goals in a capital-efficient manner by localising our products to align with specific market needs, making our patented technologies and designs available to the joint venture and increasing the made-in-India content over time. By partnering with a leading developer such as ReNew to form a local company, we can rapidly increase our India presence and bring our industry-leading experience and technology to local developers.”

The JV is expected to start operations in H1 2022 and will kick off by providing a solution to ReNew, with 150 MWh BESS required for its 300 MW Peak Power Project in Karnataka state.