Reliance Power, part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, is making a bold move in the international energy market. The company has announced that it is actively participating in global bids for setting up a 1,500-megawatt (MW) gas-based power project. This marks a major milestone for the company as it expands its footprint beyond India in the quest for clean and sustainable energy.
A Clean Energy Vision Takes Off
Gas-based power plants are gaining
popularity around the world, especially in countries aiming to shift from coal
to cleaner alternatives. Nations like Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), and Malaysia are now investing heavily in such solutions, and
Reliance Power has identified these opportunities as a perfect match for its
existing assets.
Sources close to the company have
confirmed that Reliance Power has already submitted competitive bids in
these countries. The bids form part of the company’s selective and strategic
global expansion plan, aligning with the global demand for cleaner and
faster-to-deploy power generation technologies.
Using
What’s Already Available: A Strategic Advantage
What sets Reliance Power apart in
this global race is its ability to act immediately.
Several years ago, the company had
imported three state-of-the-art gas-based power modules—each of 750 MW
capacity—from General Electric (GE), USA. These modules were originally
meant for a combined cycle power project in India. One of the modules was
exported to Bangladesh, where it now powers an LNG-based project in
partnership with Japan's JERA.
Now, Reliance Power plans to
redeploy the remaining two 750 MW modules, totaling 1,500 MW, for
its overseas project. With this equipment readily available in India,
the company is in a rare position to fast-track project execution,
unlike other competitors who may need 3–5 years to procure similar technology.
This decision is not only strategic
from a technical standpoint—it’s also financially savvy. By monetizing
these two modules, the company expects to unlock up to ₹2,000 crore (around
$240 million) in value. This could significantly improve the company’s
balance sheet and boost investor confidence.
"The project is expected to
create meaningful value through monetisation of high-quality gas-based
assets," said a company source familiar with the developments.
Why
Gas-Based Power Now?
Natural gas is often called the “bridge
fuel” in the energy transition journey from traditional fossil fuels to
fully renewable sources like solar and wind. It’s cleaner than coal, emits less
CO₂, and can provide quick-start backup for intermittent renewable sources.
In countries like Kuwait, UAE,
and Malaysia, gas is not only available but also integrated into national
energy policies. These regions are aggressively pursuing low-emission
solutions to meet their growing electricity demand without worsening their
carbon footprint.
Reliance Power's move is timely. The
company not only meets the clean energy criteria but also offers a turnkey
solution equipment, expertise, and execution speed. In an industry where
time is often money, this first-mover advantage could prove to be a
game-changer.
A
Global Footprint in Clean Energy
This overseas bid is not an isolated
move. It fits into Reliance Power’s larger clean energy strategy, which
includes aggressive investments in solar power and battery energy storage
systems (BESS).
The company currently has:
- 2.5 GWp of utility-scale solar projects under development.
- More than 2.5 GWh of BESS capacity in the pipeline.
This makes Reliance Power one of the
largest private players in India’s integrated solar + BESS segment. And
they’re not stopping there.
Strong
Presence in Bhutan
In a significant development earlier
this year, Reliance Power entered into a joint venture with Druk Holding
& Investments (DHI), the investment arm of the Bhutanese Government.
The partnership is working on:
- A 500 MW solar project, and
- A 770 MW hydropower project.
Together, these form the largest
foreign direct investment (FDI) by an Indian private company in Bhutan’s
renewable energy sector.
This not only strengthens India's
regional energy diplomacy but also demonstrates Reliance Power’s seriousness in
clean energy leadership.
International
Projects, Local Benefits
If these international bids are
successful, Reliance Power’s move will have multiple benefits for India
as well:
- Asset Monetisation
– ₹2,000 crore earned through the use of idle power modules.
- Employment
– Global project implementation often involves a skilled workforce from
India.
- Brand Revival
– Positive headlines for Anil Ambani’s group, which has been relatively
quiet after financial challenges in recent years.
- Clean Energy Leadership – Positions India as a net exporter of energy
technology and expertise.
Market
Reaction and Investor Outlook
Reliance Power’s stock has remained
volatile in recent months, but this announcement could trigger renewed
interest from institutional and retail investors alike. Clean energy
remains one of the hottest investment themes globally, and the company’s
ability to secure international projects could redefine its valuation
prospects.
Moreover, Reliance Power has
steadily reduced its debt and restructured its operations over the past few
years, which could help rebuild investor confidence—especially if these
bids materialize into long-term contracts.
Challenges
Ahead
While the opportunities are big, the
road ahead isn’t without challenges:
- Winning the bids:
Global tenders are highly competitive.
- Regulatory compliance:
Varies by country and project.
- Execution risks:
Even with ready equipment, international projects demand precision,
coordination, and adherence to local norms.
However, industry analysts believe
that Reliance Power’s experience in executing large-scale infrastructure
projects, both in India and abroad, gives it a credible edge.
Final
Thoughts: A Comeback in the Making?
This push for a Reliance Power
gas-based project overseas could be more than just an expansion strategy.
It may very well be the turning point in the company's journey,
especially after a challenging decade marked by mounting debt and stalled
domestic projects.
The company seems to have learned
from the past. By leveraging existing assets, focusing on clean
energy, and pursuing global opportunities, Reliance Power is slowly
scripting a comeback storyone that may not just benefit the company, but also
contribute positively to India’s clean energy narrative on the world stage.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Size | 1,500 MW (two modules of 750 MW each) |
| Equipment Origin | General Electric (GE), USA |
| Project Type | Gas-based combined cycle power |
| Potential Revenue | ₹2,000 crore through asset monetisation |
| Countries Targeted | Kuwait, UAE, Malaysia |
| Clean Energy Focus | Yes – aligns with global low-carbon goals |
| Other Clean Energy Plans | 2.5 GWp solar projects, 2.5 GWh battery storage |
| Recent Wins | 500 MW solar + 770 MW hydropower in Bhutan |
| Strategic Edge | Ready-to-deploy equipment, execution speed, and clean energy expertise |
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