Hindalco Ponders Venture Into Solar Module Manufacturing

Solar Module Manufacturing is the Next Move: Hindalco

Hindalco Industries Ltd., a member of the Aditya Birla group, is considering manufacturing of solar modules in Gujarat as part of its entry into renewable energy. It is planning the new manufacturing at one of its locations in Gujarat, expanding its involvement in the renewable energy industry. This accompanies the goal for India to grow its renewable energy capacity going into the 2030 fiscal year.

Hindalco is contemplating developing a manufacturing facility for solar modules in Mundra, a port town in Gujarat. It is working on a five-year roadmap to navigate through the increasingly competitive solar market, though these plans are still contingent on-board approval and capital expenditure decisions.

Hindalco is currently the second-largest producer of aluminium in India, and it believes that manufacturing solar modules would complement its manufacturing and delivery of aluminum. This would be the company’s first manufacturing decision about components related to the green energy industry and will continue to expand its production agenda beyond its tradition core business.

Hindalco is ready to take off in renewable energy as it has partnered with Greenko Group on solar and wind power to supply power for smelting in its operations. The management tin its latest investors call told its investors, “Currently, the company has commissioned 173 megawatts of solar and wind power and is developing additional projects as well, with 16 megawatts of solar commissioned in Q2 of this fiscal year and an additional 9 megawatts planned in the fourth quarter. It is also involved in a 100-megawatt hybrid power project, being completed in the first half of 2025.”

Hindalco management felt optimistic about adding solar, wind, and hydro power into its operations, which should increase its sustainability programs. The company is already undergoing engineering studies and getting necessary clearances to advance its renewable energy projects. This comes at a time when several government entities like CPSUs, state PSUs are working towards boosting the growth of renewable energy.