Contrasting approaches define Reliance and Adani in the renewable sector, as both seek dominance in India’s green transition.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and Adani Group are taking different paths in India’s renewable energy sector. The two conglomerates, led by Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, are competing for dominance in the country’s green transition.
Adani Green Energy, launched in 2015, has emerged as India’s largest renewable power producer, with significant investments in solar, wind and storage projects. Through Adani New Industries Ltd, the group is also a leading manufacturer of solar cells, modules and wind turbines. Adani aims to install 50 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 16 GW already operational and another 4 GW being added annually.
In contrast, Reliance entered the space later, announcing its green ambitions at its 2020 annual meeting. The group plans to establish 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, anchored in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, home to its oil refining hub. Its focus spans solar manufacturing, battery storage, electrolyser production, and compressed biogas. Reliance has also acquired UK-based battery firm Faradion and Dutch company Lithium Werks, but progress on giga-factories has been slower, with only a fraction of its projects operational.
While both conglomerates seek an end-to-end renewable ecosystem to cut supply chain risks, Adani has surged ahead with visible capacity on the ground, whereas Reliance is still building its manufacturing and technology base. Analysts note Reliance’s execution pace remains under scrutiny, while Adani’s integrated approach has already positioned it as a dominant clean energy supplier.
The diverging strategies highlight India’s competitive race to lead the global renewable energy market, as demand accelerates amid decarbonisation goals.
