Reliance To Boost Solar Manufacturing, AI-Led Green Data Centers

Reliance To Boost Solar Manufacturing, AI-Led Green Data Centers

At Reliance Industries’ 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2024, Mukesh Ambani and his team outlined the company’s ambitious plans for the future, which included the focus on green and renewable energy and the sustainable growth sector. 

This article outlines the highlights from the speech and Reliance’s plans toward sustainable development.

Commitment to Green Energy and Sustainability

Mukesh Ambani emphasised Reliance’s commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to clean and green energy. He highlighted that the company is not only focused on sustainability but also on making its new energy business profitable by 2031. Ambani stressed that these initiatives are crucial for mitigating climate change and securing India’s energy future.

Addressing the Energy Trilemma

During his speech, Ambani elaborated on the ‘Energy Trilemma’ that India faces, which involves ensuring affordable energy access for all, transitioning to clean energy, and de-risking the country’s energy needs from external volatility. He underscored that this trilemma would become increasingly critical as India’s economy grows, and Reliance is committed to addressing these challenges through its green energy initiatives.

AI and Technology Integration for Sustainability

Ambani also introduced ‘Jio Brain,’ a suite of AI tools and platforms designed to revolutionise various sectors, including agriculture. He announced the establishment of Gigawatt (GW)-scale AI-ready data centres in Jamnagar, Gujarat, aimed at creating the world’s lowest AI inferencing cost. This technological integration will make AI applications more affordable and accessible in India.

He shared his vision of ‘AI Farmers’ who will use intelligent tools to conserve water, manage resources efficiently, and optimise crop yields. These AI-driven farming practices are expected to control pests, reduce waste, and enhance environmental sustainability, contributing to Reliance’s broader goal of integrating technology with sustainable development.

“AI Farmers will use intelligent tools to conserve water, manage other resources efficiently, make use of accurate weather predictions, and grow more innovative crops that satisfy both food and non-food needs of society,” Ambani said.

Commitment to Low-Carbon Energy Solutions

Mukesh Ambani emphasised Reliance’s dedication to developing low-carbon energy solutions, leveraging the company’s Exploration and Production (E&P) expertise. He mentioned that Reliance is working on various initiatives, including geothermal energy, underground coal gasification, natural hydrogen, and helium. Ambani stated that these efforts are crucial for shaping a sustainable energy future for India and addressing the global climate crisis.

Jio-bp’s Role in Promoting Sustainability

In the speech, the company also discussed the significant contributions of Jio-bp, Reliance’s joint venture with bp, to India’s sustainable energy sector. They pointed out that Jio-bp has emerged as the country’s largest retailer of high-methane content Compressed Biogas (CBG).

Accelerating Renewable Energy in the O2C Business

Ambani reported that sustainability remains a key element in Reliance’s Oil to Chemicals (O2C) business. He noted that the company is accelerating the use of renewable energy within its operations and is on track to become one of the largest users of renewable energy in India. This shift, according to Ambani, is a testament to Reliance’s broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and driving sustainable business practices.

Progress in Sustainability Initiatives

Reliance is making notable strides in various sustainability initiatives, which were highlighted during the AGM. Ambani shared that the company is:

• Recycling PET bottles: Currently recycling over 2 billion PET bottles annually, with a target to reach 5 billion bottles per annum by the following year.
• Chemical Recycling of Plastics: Developing processes to convert plastics into pyrolysis oil for alternative fuel use.
• Polyolefin Recycling: Advancing technologies for recycling polyolefins to minimize plastic waste.
• Converting Hazardous Waste: Innovating in the conversion of hazardous waste into alternative fuels and raw materials.
• Zero-Waste Stores: Pioneering the development of zero-waste stores to further reduce environmental impact.

Expanding the New Energy Business

During the AGM, Mukesh Ambani provided updates on Reliance’s New Energy business, which he described as the company’s most ambitious growth engine. He explained that this green energy business is driven by the need to address the global climate crisis and to advance India’s transition to a green economy.

Bioenergy Initiatives

Ambani detailed the progress in Reliance’s bioenergy projects, including plans to operate 55 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants by 2025. He highlighted that these plants will not only contribute to clean energy production but also create over 30,000 jobs in rural areas, transforming the agricultural sector by converting farmers from food producers to energy producers.

Solar Energy Production and Storage Solutions

Ambani announced that by the end of the year, Reliance would begin producing its own solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, with an initial capacity of 10 GW annually. He also discussed the development of an integrated solar production ecosystem and the company’s investments in energy storage solutions. These advancements, according to Ambani, will enable Reliance to provide round-the-clock green and renewable energy at competitive costs.

Green Hydrogen and Future Technologies

Ambani revealed that Reliance has started work on a multi-GW electrolyser manufacturing facility aimed at producing green hydrogen by 2026. He emphasised that this facility would support various electrolyser technologies, positioning Reliance as a leader in the green hydrogen market. Ambani also discussed the company’s efforts to develop next-generation electrolysis-based technologies, which are expected to enhance energy efficiency and reduce capital costs.

A Sustainable Future for India and Beyond

Ambani expressed confidence that Reliance’s New Energy business, headquartered at the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Manufacturing Complex in Jamnagar, will become the world’s largest and most advanced green energy manufacturing ecosystem. He reported that the company plans to invest up to INR 75,000 crore in this endeavour, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics, hoping that these investments will ensure Reliance remains a global leader in the renewable energy sector.