The ink has barely dried on the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), but the reverberations of this partnership are already sending shockwaves through India’s energy sector. The agreement, inked at India Energy Week 2025, is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a bold declaration of intent, a testament to the growing urgency of India’s energy transition. The MoU, formalised by TPREL CEO Deepesh Nanda and other dignitaries, is a strategic move that could reshape the country’s energy landscape.
The partnership is a clear signal that India is serious about its ambitious clean energy goals. By exploring opportunities within the battery energy storage system (BESS) value chain, TPREL and ONGC are not just talking about the future; they’re building it. The focus on utility-scale energy storage systems, grid stabilisation, and renewable energy integration is a direct response to the intermittency challenges posed by renewable energy sources. This is not just about adding more renewables to the grid; it’s about making the grid more resilient and reliable.
The potential applications of this partnership are vast and varied. From industrial and commercial energy storage applications to microgrid and back-up power solutions, the tie-up is set to catalyse innovation across the energy sector. The integration of electric vehicle charging infrastructure into the mix is a forward-thinking move that acknowledges the growing importance of the electric vehicle sector in India’s energy transition. The partnership will also focus on developing innovative storage solutions that will pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
The MoU aligns perfectly with India’s goal of achieving 500GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. This is a monumental task, and it’s clear that TPREL and ONGC are not shying away from the challenge. The successful commissioning of a BESS project in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, is a testament to TPREL’s capabilities in this area. The project, which combines a 100MW solar photovoltaic plant with a 120-megawatt hours utility-scale BESS, is a blueprint for future developments.
ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh’s statement underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration. By leveraging their collective expertise, TPREL and ONGC aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s energy transition and long-term energy security. This is not just about energy storage; it’s about energy sovereignty. It’s about reducing dependence on fossil fuels and building a more sustainable, resilient energy future.
The partnership also highlights the growing trend of collaboration between traditional oil and gas companies and renewable energy players. This is not a zero-sum game; it’s a collaborative effort to build a more sustainable energy future. The MoU between Tata Power and Druk Green Power in November 2024, which aims to develop 5GW of clean energy capacity in Bhutan, is another example of this trend. The proposed capacity includes 4.5GW of hydropower and 500MW of solar projects, showcasing the diverse range of renewable energy sources that can be harnessed.
The partnership between TPREL and ONGC is a game-changer, a bold step towards a more sustainable energy future. It’s a testament to the growing urgency of India’s energy transition and a clear signal that the country is serious about its clean energy goals. The MoU is not just about energy storage; it’s about energy sovereignty, resilience, and sustainability. It’s about building a more sustainable, resilient energy future for India. The partnership is a bold declaration of intent, a testament to the growing urgency of India’s energy transition. It’s a clear signal that India is serious about its ambitious clean energy goals. By exploring opportunities within the battery energy storage system (BESS) value chain, TPREL and ONGC are not just talking about the future; they’re building it.
