Q.Can you give us a brief summary of your company’s journey so far and also explain how it emerged as a leader in the renewable energy space?
Avaada began its journey in 2011 with a modest 15 MW project, driven by an early recognition of the urgent need for renewable energy and mitigating climate change. As a pioneering entrant, Avaada seized opportunities in this emerging sector, setting a new benchmark in 2014 with the launch of the world’s second-largest solar plant of 151 MW in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. This milestone event, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, was a significant moment when he shared his visionary outlook for India’s renewable energy future.
Building on this momentum, Avaada soon scaled up, becoming India’s largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a 1.2 GW capacity. This growth trajectory attracted key international investments from partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In 2017, Avaada embarked on its second phase, ambitiously aggregating over 26 GW of renewable capacity in under a decade, including the world’s largest single-location solar project at Bikaner, a 1.2 GW installation that showcases the company’s industry leadership.
Avaada’s unique “sand to molecule” approach demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by harnessing the entire energy production lifecycle. With a diversified portfolio, Avaada excels in navigating complex regulatory landscapes while advancing national priorities and community empowerment. The company’s emphasis on nurturing a skilled talent pool , being employer of choice , relentless focus on innovation and fostering sustainable practices has cemented its position as a leader in India’s renewable energy journey.
Q.What key strategies is your company implementing to reach its ambitious target of 30 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030?
To achieve our ambitious 30 GW renewable energy target by 2030, Avaada is pursuing several strategic initiatives which ensures that we are well-positioned to achieve its renewable energy goals while supporting India’s sustainable energy transition. We are fostering a holistic renewable energy ecosystem that integrates solar, wind, storage enhancing overall capacity and sustainability. Avaada is securing a robust land bank, ensuring smooth project deployment and scalability across multiple geographies. Our proactive endeavours are geared for securing power connectivity and grid evacuation infrastructure to efficiently deliver energy from our projects to the grid. Our in-house Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team enables cost-effective and quality-controlled project execution which gives us an edge. At the same time, Avaada’s robust asset management capabilities optimize performance, maintain high uptime, and maximize output from each renewable asset. By leveraging AI, Avaada enhances predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across our projects, optimizing performance and scaling rapidly. A dedicated leadership team and skilled talent pool drive our vision and ensure consistent growth, innovation, and operational excellence. We cultivate a vibrant, employee-cantered culture that empowers individuals, promotes diversity, and enhances overall productivity and retention. Avaada is pioneering sustainable energy models, including roundthe-clock energy dispatch and advanced storage solutions, to meet the rising demand for reliable green power. We partner with leading corporates on their sustainability journeys, offering customized renewable power procurement solutions to help them meet environmental goals.
Q.Would you shed light on how the company’s initiatives aim to empower communities, and what specific actions are being taken to impact the lives of 1 million people?
Avaada Foundation is committed to fostering a world where every individual thrives. We focus on the core pillars of Education, Empowerment, Health and Environment (3E&H). Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where all individuals flourish and realize their full potential. Through our programs, we strive to empower communities, especially women, enable access to education, promote health and well-being and protect the environment. Education: Our comprehensive education program is enabling access to quality education. Our aim is to ensure that children in villages receive similar education standards as those prevalent in developed urban locations. Through infrastructural refurbishment, modernizing classrooms with latest technological facilities, upgrading sanitation facilities we are enabling learning in a conducive environment. Coaching Classes and Digital Centres are enabling students to be future ready. In addition sport facilities and equipment, in addition to various competitions and workshops are enabling holistic development of the children. Empowerment: We have been enabling women through skill-building courses for transforming opportunities into sustainable income sources. Navkiran Tailoring & Stitching Centres, located across India, offer free professional classes for women in the art of tailoring. Over the years, many of the graduated trainees are successfully earning an income. Numerous Awareness & Training sessions are enabling farmers get oriented with efficient agricultural practices. Livestock is an important component in rural economy. The veterinary camps have helped ensure good health of villagers’ cattle. Community members are being connected with potential job opportunities in their region. Health: We seek to improve access to quality healthcare services, raise awareness and address health disparities. Multiple specialized and general awareness camps are being organized to help villagers lead healthier lives. The Ambulance service is ensuring that patients in critical situation are able to access much needed health care. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities for the children and communities have been ensured. Environment: Numerous tree plantations drives have resulted in creation of mini forests and increased green cover. By adopting best practices like the Miyawaki techniques we are developing forests in otherwise barren land. At all our project sites we have been promoting environmental awareness within the community. Nearly 1,00,000 trees have been planted across locations in the country.
Q.What role does innovation play in the company’s operations in green hydrogen and sustainable fuels, and how is it leveraging new technologies to boost efficiency and sustainability?
Innovation is pivotal in Avaada’s journey towards becoming a leader in green hydrogen and sustainable fuels. With green hydrogen and its derivatives representing a transformative sector, Avaada is closely aligned with the Government of India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission, which emphasizes strategic demand and supply-side initiatives to catalyze growth in this domain. To drive our “sand-to-molecule” vision, Avaada is setting up substantial renewable energy capacities specifically to power our electrolysers, ensuring a carbon-neutral hydrogen production process from start to finish. Our flagship 0.5 million tons per annum (MTPA) green ammonia project in Odisha is advancing, embodying our commitment to sustainable fuel alternatives at scale. Avaada’s innovation extends further into in-house electrolyser manufacturing, which strengthens India’s self-sufficiency while enabling highly efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production. We are leveraging AI-driven operational management for real-time monitoring and optimization, improving energy yields and minimizing waste. Furthermore, our R&D focus is towards actively exploring breakthrough electrolysis technologies that reduce energy requirements to boost overall efficiency. By combining these innovations with our renewable energy backbone, Avaada is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also contributing to a robust, green hydrogen ecosystem. Our approach is designed to set industry standards in sustainable fuels, supporting India’s transition to a self-reliant and carbon-neutral future.
Q.What actions is the company implementing to ensure that its projects contribute to reducing carbon emissions, which is a key objective for the company?
Avaada is deeply committed to sustainability, utilizing nature’s abundant resources—sun, wind, and water— as foundational inputs to minimize environmental impact and actively reduce carbon emissions. Every initiative we undertake aligns with our mission to drive a carbon-neutral future. Through these actions and our unwavering focus on sustainability, Avaada not only drives down carbon emissions but also sets an industry standard for responsible, eco-conscious renewable energy solutions. To ensure impactful carbon reduction, we are implementing multiple key actions. Avaada is rapidly scaling up solar and wind energy capacities, directly offsetting fossil fuel-based power generation and significantly lowering emissions on a large scale. By incorporating energy storage systems like battery storage and Pumped storage , we enhance grid stability and enable round-the-clock renewable energy supply, reducing the need for carbonintensive backup sources. Our green hydrogen initiatives, powered exclusively by renewable energy, provide zero-carbon alternatives for sectors like industrial manufacturing and transportation, helping them transition toward net-zero operations. Avaada emphasizes circular economy practices, including waste reduction, water recycling, and end-of-life solar panel recycling, to further minimize our environmental footprint. Each new project integrates sustainable designs, with low-impact land use, reforestation initiatives, and eco-friendly construction materials, ensuring minimal carbon footprint throughout the project lifecycle. Avaada collaborates with leading corporates to mitigate their carbon footprints through dedicated renewable energy projects and customized sustainability solutions, supporting their environmental goals and commitment to a greener future. We actively engage communities around our projects, promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness, which fosters a broader positive environmental impact.
Q.What are the biggest challenges for the renewable energy sector in the country today and how is your company preparing itself to remain competitive?
India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 presents tremendous opportunities but also poses several significant challenges. To realize this vision, key requirements such as robust grid connectivity, expanded substations, and extensive investment in transmission infrastructure are vital for effectively integrating large-scale renewable projects into the national grid. While India’s policy regime for renewable energy is stable and encouraging, the success of its ambitious targets hinges on a strong grid infrastructure. Investments in transmission lines and substations are essential to ensure that renewable energy reaches demand centres efficiently. Converting successful auctions into secured Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) remains a priority, as it provides revenue assurance for renewable projects. Renewable energy projects demand substantial capital, and innovative financing models are crucial to sustaining growth. Avaada leverages green bonds, international investments, and partnerships with development/ banks to drive expansion, while also exploring green finance innovations to fund future projects. For India to meet its renewable targets, strengthening domestic manufacturing for modules and cells is essential. Avaada has committed to expanding its manufacturing capabilities, especially in key components like solar modules & cells , to reduce reliance on imports and ensure a steady & resilient supply chain including for the for the country. Land acquisition is a significant hurdle in renewable project development. Avaada proactively addresses this challenge by building a secure land bank and maintaining close coordination with state authorities to expedite land approvals, allowing for faster project deployment. To overcome the intermittent nature of renewables and provide consistent power, storage solutions like pumped storage projects and battery storage are essential. Avaada is investing in cutting-edge storage solutions to enable round-the-clock energy delivery, enhancing reliability for our clients and grid operators. Avaada also offers tailored solutions to corporates looking to mitigate their carbon footprints through customized renewable power procurement options thereby strengthening our competitive edge in the corporate segment. In addition, Avaada is deploying AI and advanced data analytics to optimize project operations, improve predictive maintenance, and enhance overall efficiency. This forward-looking approach enables us to swiftly adapt to the evolving landscape while reducing operational costs. By synergically aligning our organizational bandwidth with the rapidly evolving renewable sector, Avaada remains flexible and resilient. Our committed leadership, strong talent pool, and innovation-driven culture allow us to anticipate and respond effectively to changing regulations, market demands, and technological advancements. Through these strategic preparations, Avaada is well-positioned to meet the demands of India’s growing renewable energy sector, staying competitive while contributing meaningfully to the nation’s clean energy goals.
Q.Given the fast-paced advancements in renewable energy technologies, how do you envision the company’s future in the next few years?
As renewable energy technologies rapidly advance, Avaada is primed to play a pivotal role in India’s clean energy transformation over the coming years. India’s renewable energy program, targeting 500 GW by 2030, is driving unprecedented demand for innovative solutions, stronger supply chains, and local manufacturing capabilities. To support this vision, Avaada is proactively integrating cuttingedge advancements in technology, energy storage, smart infrastructure, and data-driven operations. The need for resilient supply chains and enhanced manufacturing capacities has never been greater. Avaada is expanding its local manufacturing capabilities, including modules, cells, and electrolysers, to secure reliable inputs for its projects while reducing reliance on imports. This focus on local production strengthens our position in a competitive market, supports job creation, adds to local economies and aligns with India’s goal of energy independence. Avaada is deeply invested in pioneering energy storage solutions, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped storage projects, to address the variability of renewable energy. These technologies enable round-the-clock power delivery, making renewable energy more reliable and supporting the grid during peak demand. Avaada’s commitment to scaling storage capacity ensures that we are ready for India’s growing demand for resilient and dependable green energy. As renewable penetration grows, integrating energy sources with advanced grid technologies is crucial. Avaada is actively exploring smart grid technologies, blockchain applications for distributed solar energy management, and virtual power plant solutions. These innovations enhance grid stability, improve energy distribution efficiency, and offer decentralized energy options, empowering both the grid and individual consumers. Similarly Avaada is at the forefront of adopting next-generation electrolyser technologies, such as, PEM which promise higher efficiency in hydrogen production. These advancements are critical to our “sand-tomolecule” vision and underpin our ambition to lead in green hydrogen production and e-fuels for industries aiming for decarbonization. Avaada’s future includes a substantial commitment to green hydrogen, green ammonia, and e-fuels. Our 0.5 MTPA green ammonia project in Odisha is a flagship initiative, positioning us to meet domestic and global demand for sustainable fuels. With a focus on these areas, Avaada is creating viable alternatives to fossil fuels for sectors like industry, marine shipping, transportation, and agriculture. Avaada is harnessing AI-driven data analytics to optimize performance, improve predictive maintenance, and reduce operational costs across our renewable portfolio. Leveraging AI allows us to make data-backed decisions, enhancing both our efficiency and responsiveness to shifting energy demands. With our sights set on 30 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, Avaada’s future is vibrant and aligned with India’s ambitious renewable goals. Our holistic approach—spanning technological innovation, local manufacturing, energy storage, data intelligence, and green fuels—ensures we are well-prepared to lead in the new energy landscape. Avaada is not only scaling up renewable projects but also setting the stage for a future where clean energy solutions are both sustainable and transformative for India and beyond.