NEW DELHI – In a major move toward decarbonization, GAIL (India) Limited has greenlit an investment of ₹3,800 crore to develop 700 MW of solar power capacity across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. This expansion is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy to scale its renewable energy portfolio past the 1,000 MW mark.
Key Projects and Strategic Integration
The investment targets two major industrial hubs, integrating advanced battery storage to ensure a consistent power supply for GAIL’s massive petrochemical operations.
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Uttar Pradesh (Jhansi): A 600 MW solar plant will be established at the TUSCO Solar Park. It features a high-capacity 550 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to provide round-the-clock power to GAIL’s petrochemical plant in Pata.
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Maharashtra (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar): A 100 MW solar project with a 22 MWh battery system will be developed to supply green energy to the company’s PDH-PP facility in Usar, Raigad.
Scaling for Net Zero
GAIL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Deepak Gupta, noted that these projects will propel the company’s current 147 MW renewable capacity to over 1,000 MW.
Why it matters:
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Energy Security: By utilizing battery storage, GAIL addresses solar intermittency, ensuring a stable energy flow even when sunlight is unavailable.
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Operational Efficiency: Shifting to captive renewable sources reduces dependence on the conventional grid and significantly lowers the carbon footprint of industrial manufacturing.
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Net Zero Alignment: The move reinforces GAIL’s transition from a traditional gas utility to an integrated energy major committed to India’s 2070 Net Zero targets.
The integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems marks a technological shift for the company, making its renewable infrastructure more reliable and efficient for large-scale industrial use.
