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

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.

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.

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.