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					</table>In an exclusive interview with Mercom India, Rahul Mishra, Senior VP and Head of Commercial &amp; Industrial (C&amp;I) at <a href="https://blupineenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BluPine Energy</a>, shared his views on the recent trends in the green energy open access market and the C&amp;I energy transition in India.
BluPine Energy is a renewable energy solutions provider to the C&amp;I segment, with a development portfolio of over 4 GW in solar, wind, and storage assets.
The company has earmarked ~1 GW of its capacity specifically for the C&amp;I segment consumers, with the remaining to be allocated to utility-scale developments, greenfield initiatives, energy storage, and potential mergers and acquisitions.
Mishra spoke about the current opportunities and challenges the C&amp;I segment consumers must consider when transitioning to renewables.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
In which industrial segments has the green energy demand grown over the past few years and why?
The surge in green energy demand spans various industrial segments, driven by capacity expansion, economic growth, and evolving environmental targets. Notably, large process industries like steel and cement have witnessed a significant rise in green energy demand across all states. This increase is attributed to the capacity expansions these industries undergo and the stringent emission targets they must meet. As they expand, these industries require more energy and face heightened pressure to reduce environmental impact, leading to a shift towards renewable energy sources.
Another crucial area of growth is seen among new-age hyperscale consumers, particularly those managing data centers. These facilities require massive amounts of energy to operate, and as data usage and storage needs grow exponentially, so does their energy consumption. Recognizing the importance of sustainability and the need to mitigate their environmental impact, these data centers are actively transitioning towards green energy. In the foreseeable future, they are expected to be among the largest buyers of renewable energy.
What are the criteria a C&amp;I consumer must consider when opting for open-access renewables in India?
When opting for open-access renewables in India, C&amp;I consumers consider a few key factors to make informed decisions. This is crucial, especially with the notable expansion of C&amp;I open access capacities in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, collectively contributing significantly to India’s total capacities in this sector.
The regulatory landscape for open-access renewable energy differs considerably among Indian states. C&amp;I consumers should comprehensively grasp how the power they plan to procure will be consumed or offset against their overall consumption. Energy settlement is pivotal for both the generator and the off-taker, necessitating a thorough understanding of regulatory intricacies and compliance requirements in the specific state in which they are operating.
choice of the energy generator is paramount. C&amp;I consumers must evaluate factors such as the generator’s size, financial stability, and adeptness in navigating and complying with the Indian regulatory framework. Businesses must align with a generator boasting a proven track record of successful development and execution of renewable energy projects, as well as a demonstrated history of structuring complex solutions.
Open-access renewable energy projects typically entail enduring commitments. C&amp;I consumers should anticipate engaging in extended contracts, potentially lasting for decades. Recently, there has been a trend towards more prolonged commitments, with some consumers now open to signing contracts spanning up to 25 years, a shift from the previous norm of 10-15 years. This extended partnership guarantees energy security and price stability and fosters sustainable project development for the consumer.
What are the usual challenges that stop C&amp;I consumers from transitioning to green energy?
A primary obstacle hindering the transition to green energy is the regulatory framework, which frequently restricts the amount of energy sourced from renewable sources. These regulations differ among states and can substantially impact the extent to which C&amp;I consumers can embrace renewable energy.
The energy market is slowly embracing hybrid solutions, where real-time settlement of renewable energy displaces a significant portion (around 70-80%) of current consumer consumption. However, the advancement and acceptance of these solutions are ongoing. The key to this evolution lies in the increased execution of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and the stabilization of energy exchange market volumes.
Achieving 100% displacement faces challenges without supportive banking regulations and economically viable energy storage solutions. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that in the next 2-3 years, advancements in energy storage technology will pave the way for a substantial shift towards renewable sources, allowing for a more significant displacement of conventional energy consumption.
How does BluPine plan to manage the RTC renewable energy demand for C&amp;I consumers?
BluPine Energy has a strategic approach to managing the Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable energy demand for C&amp;I consumers.
To ensure a reliable energy supply, we intend to integrate solar + wind energy solutions. The complementary nature of these sources enhances stability and provides a continuous supply of energy, effectively meeting the real-time and continuous (RTC) energy demands of C&amp;I consumers.
Recognizing the pivotal role of energy storage in managing RTC loads, BluPine Energy is committed to incorporating storage solutions into the energy mix in the future. Technologies like batteries will store excess energy generated during peak production, ensuring a consistent energy supply even during periods of low renewable energy generation, thus bolstering reliability and providing firmness of supply.
BluPine Energy aims to meet the energy needs of C&amp;I consumers efficiently by optimizing our operating assets and actively engaging in the exchange market. This combined strategy enables us to address a significant portion (80-100%) of our clients&#8217; energy consumption. By harmonizing energy generation from our assets and complementing it through market participation, we offer a flexible and responsive energy supply that meets the diverse demands of C&amp;I consumers.
What is your take on the Open Access market outlook in the coming year?
The C&amp;I market has rapidly evolved, witnessing significant capacity additions by independent power producers in the last 3-4 years. This growth trajectory is expected to persist, with an estimated 30-40 GW of C&amp;I open access capacities projected to be added in the next 4-5 years.
This expansion is driven by an increased focus on climate change commitments. Corporations and their management teams are increasingly prioritizing the implementation of net-zero commitments, contributing to a substantial scale-up in renewable energy adoption.
Additionally, national-level policies in this domain are encouraging. Optimism surrounds expectations that regulations will become more streamlined and markets will increasingly support RTC load-following renewable energy projects tailored for C&amp;I consumers.
How do you see merchant power projects evolve in India, and does BluPine plan to install more projects?
The development of merchant power projects in India is closely tied to the expansion of the C&amp;I segment and the maturity of exchange markets. As the scale of the C&amp;I business grows, the merchant power market is anticipated to become a significant by-product. The evolution of exchange markets, particularly in terms of volumes (currently at 6-8%), will be a crucial factor. When volumes rise towards the 20-25% range, the landscape for merchant power projects is expected to gain prominence.
In response to these market dynamics, BluPine Energy strategically plans to integrate corporate merchant power projects into our portfolio. Specifically, we aim to allocate about 10-15% of our total portfolio to merchant exposure. This decision aligns with our broader strategy to capitalize on market opportunities, diversify our offerings, and mitigate risks associated with the evolving energy landscape.
What is the most significant difference you see in developing utility-scale projects for DISCOM offtake vs projects under the open access model?
Developing utility-scale projects for DISCOM offtake compared to those under the open access model primarily varies in three aspects: regulatory understanding, influencing project planning and requirements; approvals and timelines, with DISCOM projects often facing more complex and lengthier processes; and the power settlement mechanism, involving distinct approaches in terms of approvals and operational processes. Navigating these differences requires a careful understanding of the regulatory environment and strategic planning for successful project implementation. Additionally, the timelines to execute open access projects once the PPAs with C&amp;I customers have been executed are also more shorter compared to utility-scale projects.

30-40 GW of Open Access Green Energy Could be Added in 4-5 Years: Interview

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					</table>The recently announced Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) has been welcomed by industry stakeholders for its potential impact on system cost, demand, and manufacturing in the country.
In September 2023, the Union Cabinet <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cabinet-approves-gap-funding-for-battery-energy-storage-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the VGF program, allocating an initial sum of ₹94 billion ($1.1 billion), with ₹37.6 billion ($452 million) designated as budgetary assistance to facilitate 4 GWh of BESS projects by 2030-31.
The VGF program is expected to provide the standalone BESS projects the much-needed boost, which, according to Mercom India Research&#8217;s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-project-tracker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Project Tracker</a>, has 5,520 MWh of projects in the pipeline.
Prominent leaders in the battery industry expressed their enthusiasm to Mercom regarding the potential of VGF to accelerate India&#8217;s shift towards clean and sustainable energy.
Rupam Raja, Chief Commercial Officer at <a href="https://fluenceenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fluence India</a>, applauded the government&#8217;s decision. &#8220;This is a necessary step to accelerate the energy transition. BESS plays a vital role in enhancing energy security and grid stability. VGF will encourage the deployment of BESS at critical infrastructure points, enhancing grid reliability and aligning with the goal of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.&#8221;
Pankaj Sharma, Co-Founder and Director of <a href="https://www.log9materials.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Log9 Materials</a> elaborated, &#8220;Given that battery storage technologies are still in their nascent stages, VGF will play a pivotal role in bridging the development costs required during technology maturation. This funding will also prove invaluable for pre-commercial battery projects, helping them achieve commercial viability.&#8221;
Impact of VGF on BESS Cost 
One of the primary challenges plaguing the BESS segment in India is the cost, which remains prohibitive, posing difficulties for distribution companies in integrating them into their infrastructure.
According to Ankit Mittal, Co-Founder and CEO of <a href="https://sheru.se/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheru</a>, numerous energy storage projects have faced challenges in taking off due to high costs and extended payback periods. He feels that with VGF backing these projects, a surge in energy storage capacity is expected.
&#8220;The Levelized Cost of Storage (LCoS) in India currently ranges from ₹7 (~$0.08)/kWh to ₹8 (~$0.09)/kWh. While this cost has gradually reduced with declining battery prices, it remains relatively high. The primary goal of VGF is to further bring down this cost to a range of ₹5.50 (~$0.06)/kWh to ₹6.60 (~$0.07)/kWh, making green energy + storage more affordable. The objective is to enable the storage sector to achieve economies of scale, reducing the need for external support once VGF is exhausted.&#8221;
The VGF assistance, subject to the completion and operation of projects within an 18 to 24-month window, has the potential to cover up to 40% of the project&#8217;s initial capital cost.
Pankaj Sharma emphasized, &#8220;Moreover, this government funding will benefit battery tech companies by providing non-dilutive capital, alleviating fundraising pressures during the early technology development stages of various battery tech startups. &#8221;
VGF and Demand
In the dynamic and rapidly evolving Indian energy sector, BESS is increasingly essential for ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
Stakeholders expect VGF to spark substantial demand, facilitate cost optimization, and attract private-sector investments.
Mallikarjuna Bhuvaneswari, Head of Business Development &#8211; New Energy (BESS &amp; Green Hydrogen) from battery manufacturing company <a href="https://www.amararaja.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amara Raja</a> said, &#8220;VGF has generated significant demand, particularly for 4 GW of BESS for transmission utilities. Furthermore, the prospect of another PLI program for standalone storage systems within the next two years provides a strong impetus for the BESS ecosystem. This approach fosters cost optimization, the introduction of new technologies, and aligns with the &#8216;Make in India&#8217; initiative.&#8221;
He said, &#8220;From a bidder&#8217;s standpoint, VGF enhances the viability of business proposals, increasing visibility and offsetting undue cost reductions. India&#8217;s burgeoning market, coupled with exponential BESS expansion supported by VGF, becomes an attractive entry point for substantial private sector investors, contributing to India&#8217;s sustainable energy future.&#8221;
In such a case, VGF is expected to act as a catalyst for India&#8217;s sustainable energy future by attracting private sector investments, ensuring competitive and high-quality project development, and fostering innovation within the renewable energy sector.
Integration of BESS in Energy Infrastructure
Industry stakeholders were particularly pleased with the timing of the VGF introduction, coming at a time when the government plans to come out with a policy framework to make energy storage mandatory for renewable projects of 5 MW and above.
N Venu, MD &amp; CEO, India and South Asia at <a href="https://www.hitachienergy.com/in/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hitachi Energy</a>, also hailed the approval of the VGF program, saying, &#8220;This is excellent news for the renewable energy sector. The timing couldn&#8217;t have been better. Collectively, these steps represent a significant stride towards building a flexible grid and adopting clean energy. It will help create a stable and responsive energy system capable of meeting peak and low demands. A dedicated energy storage system at each renewable power project will also address the challenge of power intermittency.&#8221;
Integrating BESS into the energy ecosystem could improve power quality, balance grid, and reduce costs.
Mallikarjuna said, &#8220;This eventually reduces transmission and distribution referral costs and costly infrastructure upgrades, ultimately benefiting consumers by lowering peak deficits, peak tariffs, energy arbitrage costs, and more.&#8221;
The executive also highlighted that the Energy Storage Obligation requires DISCOMs to purchase 4% of their total electricity consumption from energy storage by 2030, as mandated by the government. This obligation not only encourages grid optimization but also leads to a substantial reduction in infrastructure costs through BESS.
The issue of surplus energy production during certain times of the day due to the intermittent nature of renewables is another real challenge. Without effective energy storage solutions, this excess energy often goes to waste, which is both inefficient and unsustainable.
Mittal opined, &#8220;Without energy storage to absorb surplus energy, grid supply is curtailed to match demand, leading to significant energy wastage. Energy storage is, therefore, pivotal for seamlessly integrating renewable energy into the grid and forms the cornerstone of the future grid. VGF&#8217;s focus on allocating capacity to DISCOMs plays a crucial role in this regard.&#8221;
Building a Resilient Renewable Power System
Venu highlighted that government funding will attract additional investments and play a crucial role in building a resilient renewable power infrastructure. The most significant outcome lies in making the country&#8217;s renewable power system more flexible, scalable, and secure.
Amara Raja&#8217;s perspective reinforces the positive effects of government funding, which alleviates the fundraising pressure on early-stage battery tech startups.
Elaborating on the motivation behind the funding, Mallikarjuna emphasized, &#8220;The government funding also fosters a new ecosystem for manufacturing, innovation, cost optimization, and job creation, building upon India&#8217;s successful track record with solar projects over the past decade.&#8221;
While most stakeholders have hailed the new VGF program as a significant catalyst for the BESS sector growth, utilizing it to build a stable, cost-effective, and sustainable ecosystem remains critical.

Industry Hails Viability Gap Funding for Battery Energy Storage Projects

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					</table>The industrial sector continues to be one of the most significant contributors to India’s renewable energy transition journey, driven by a host of factors, including lower cost of power, ESG goals, increasing demand for green supply chains, and net-zero targets.
At the ‘<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/renewables-summit-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India Renewables Summit 2023,’</a> an exclusive event on April 26-27 in New Delhi, industry experts gathered to discuss critical issues, opportunities, and emerging trends related to the use of renewables by industries.
The ‘Corporates and Industries Leading Decarbonization and Renewables Adoption’ session on Day 1 dealt with ways to accelerate clean energy adoption and the business models for making green energy adoption financially attractive.
The panel featured Ravi Seth, AVP &#8211; Business Development at <a href="https://www.iexindia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Energy Exchange</a>; Ashish Agarwal, Head Solar, <a href="https://blupineenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BluPine Energy</a>; Raghunath T, Vice President &amp; Head Credit at <a href="https://vivritiamc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vivriti Asset Management</a>; and Akhil Agarwal, Director-Renewable Energy &amp; Power Management at <a href="https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ST Telemedia Global Data Centres</a>.
Priya Sanjay, Managing Director at Mercom India, moderated the session.
The Rising Demand
Progressive regulatory changes over the past few years have brought down the cost of renewable energy and compliance, paving the way for the rapid adoption of renewable power among corporates.
“The regulatory framework and other factors are helping meet the rising demand in the C&amp;I segment. We have seen a rise in demand followed by investments in many power-sensitive sectors. For example, the Tamil Nadu textile industry was responsible for driving the renewable transition. For hard-to-abate sectors and large-scale power consumers like steel, the transactions of that size haven’t happened yet, but we do expect those also to follow soon.”
Seth noted there has been a considerable rise in the number of voluntary consumers now at the power exchange seeking green power to help meet their net zero and carbon emission goals.
He said, “At the exchange, we all these consumers with multiple options to optimize their power costs and meet their net-zero targets. The ESCert and REC mechanisms have also attracted many consumers. Many large corporates are not only looking to meet their RPO targets but also to meet their sustainability targets.”
Akhil Agarwal said his company has ramped up its renewable share of the power mix to 36% of the total demand, up from 20% when the transition started.
“We have tied up for 100-150 MU annually and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. We are looking to shift to round-the-clock renewable energy soon, too, with the help of energy storage, but that transition can be expected only after 2025 when we feel storage might become more affordable,” he added.
Raghunath said his company focuses on all renewables segments, from open access to rooftop.
“The C&amp;I renewable ecosystem should not depend on offshore capital, which will help the sector grow. The government has also introduced the green bonds mechanism to help the corporates meet their net zero goals.”
Steps in the Right Direction
Ashish Agarwal felt it is very important that the renewable transition of the C&amp;I segment especially must make business sense for everybody, which includes the DISCOMs, consumers, and renewable energy generators.
“Consumers often opt for group captive if they can afford the upfront capital, fearing the cross-subsidy charges might shoot up their bills. But it is important to know that in most states, switching to renewables will still make business sense even with the cross-subsidy charges,” he added.
Seth said introducing green open access rules has been the biggest step in the right direction, making it easy for consumers, even with a low power demand to switch to open access.
“We are seeing a rise in merchant capacities, which depend on the demand and prices. Major developers are now able to sell excess power at exchanges at higher prices as the demand continues to be there. We are also helping build more capacities with developers and lenders together to help accelerate growth. At the exchange, we have introduced multiple platforms like GDAM, GTAM, and now HP-DAM to encourage power trading.”
Akhil Agarwal noted the waiver of ISTS charges and the introduction of the green energy open access rules has helped boost the installations over time as that has helped manage the contract load limit challenges and also got more consumers with low power demand on board for open access.
Raghunath felt people are now aware of the various risks involved and have started analyzing them beforehand. “It is important to have full visibility of the power purchase agreements for the projects. Other than just profit, it is important to look at faster returns from a developer’s perspective. If you sign a 25-year PPA with a bigger company, your finances are sorted, but with an MSE, there are doubts if the business would even exist a few years down the line. These risk factors are now being analyzed and managed to avoid risking the entire investment.”

Indian Corporates Are Poised for a Leap in Renewable Transition Trajectory

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