GAIL (India) Limited has announced an investment of Rs 3,800 crore to develop 700 MW of new solar power projects across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. This strategic initiative is designed to power the company’s captive petrochemical and PDH-PP facilities with renewable energy. By integrating advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the project aims to ensure round-the-clock power availability, helping GAIL reach its long-term Net Zero targets while significantly expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
Boosting Renewable Energy Footprint
GAIL (India) Limited has received approval to significantly scale its renewable energy capabilities. This move involves a capital expenditure of Rs 3,800 crore to commission 700 MW of solar energy capacity. Upon completion, the company’s total installed renewable capacity is projected to surge from its current 147 MW to over 1,000 MW, marking a major leap in its transition toward sustainable operations.
Strategic Project Breakdown
The investment will be distributed across two primary states to support GAIL’s industrial infrastructure:
- Uttar Pradesh: Development of a 600 MW solar project at TUSCO Solar Park, Jhansi, equipped with a 550 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This plant will primarily supply electricity to the Pata Petrochemical Plant in the Auraiya district.
- Maharashtra: Construction of a 100 MW solar project with a 22 MWh BESS in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district. This facility will support the captive energy needs of the PDH-PP plant located in Usar, Raigad.
Commitment to Net Zero Targets
According to Shri Deepak Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, these projects are essential for aligning GAIL’s growth with environmental responsibility. The inclusion of advanced BESS technology is a critical component of the strategy, as it addresses the intermittency challenges often associated with solar power. By ensuring a steady, round-the-clock supply of clean energy, GAIL strengthens its position as an integrated energy major committed to both long-term energy security and India’s decarbonization goals.
Source: BSE