Maharashtra: BrightNight Commissions First Phase Of 115MW Hybrid RE Project

BrightNight Commissions First Phase Of 115MW Hybrid Renewable Energy Project

US-based BrightNight, a global renewable power producer, recently commissioned the first phase of Optima Maharashtra, a 115 MW hybrid renewable power project in India. It’s also one of the first co-located wind-solar projects in Maharashtra.

The project is located in Dharashiv, Southern Maharashtra, and spanning about 1400 acres, Optima Maharashtra integrates advanced wind and solar technologies. The project is powered by BrightNight’s proprietary AI-enabled PowerAlpha® platform,1 which ensures maximum power output with the lowest environmental footprint.

A Milestone for India’s Clean Energy Future

Optima Maharashtra can play a crucial role in helping the state achieve its goal of sourcing 40 percent of its energy from renewables by 2030.

“This milestone project marks the official launch of BrightNight’s operations in the Asia Pacific region as we focus on building a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Martin Hermann, CEO of BrightNight.

Driving Climate Investment and Expansion in India

After starting up in the US market in 2019, India became BrightNight’s second major global market. To support the development of BrightNight’s gigawatt-scale renewable power portfolio in India, Philippines-based ACEN Corporation, part of the Ayala Group, committed $250 million of investment into BrightNight India in 2023.

BrightNight recently signed a power purchase agreement with India’s largest utility, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, to supply hybrid wind-solar power and secured major tenders from NTPC and NHPC for firm and dispatchable renewable energy supply.

“We are actively advancing our gigawatt scale portfolio in India, where we will leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver reliable, round-the-clock clean and sustainable power,” said Jerome Ortiz, CEO of BrightNight APAC. “Optima Maharashtra perfectly aligns with India’s vision to become a developed, clean-energy-driven economy by 2047 and also serves as a pioneering model for similar projects in the Asia Pacific region” he noted.

Catalyzing Regional Economic Growth and Sustainability

Beyond supporting India’s transition away from fossil fuels, Optima Maharashtra is expected to create approximately 300 jobs during its development phase and contribute to the growth of the renewable energy industry. By deploying a mix of advanced technology solutions, Optima Maharashtra will provide tailored and complex power solutions to address the State’s unique energy needs.

“This project is the first of many from BrightNight India and sets a blueprint for future developments that will drive faster and deeper decarbonization,” said Naveen Khandelwal, CEO of BrightNight India. “In addition to prioritizing the most efficient use of resources within the areas we operate, we are collaborating with local communities and key stakeholders to help shape a future where renewable energy underpins India’s economic growth and global leadership,” he added.

Looking ahead, BrightNight is preparing to begin construction on two large-scale projects in Rajasthan, which will combine a variety of clean energy technologies, including wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems, to supply peak power to off-takers connected to the national grid. Moreover, BrightNight is actively developing multiple hybrid projects across several states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.