Engie wins a solar energy and storage contract in India, where it has big ambitions.

The group indicates that it has reached a "new stage" in its development in India with this first hybrid project which combines 200 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic electricity production with a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

"By combining large-scale solar with long-term storage, we are strengthening the resilience of the grid and making it possible to supply renewable electricity available 24 hours a day to our customers," said Paulo Almirante, Engie's Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of renewable and flexible activities.

"This latest success illustrates our commitment to building the future low-carbon energy system, and our role as a long-term partner in India's energy transition," he added.

The contract was awarded following a tender by SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India), the Indian renewable energy development agency.

Engie has nearly 2 GW of renewable assets in operation or under construction in India.

Globally, its renewable energy and storage capacity already in operation amounts to 55 GW and the group aims to reach 95 GW by 2030.

India, the world's most populous country and the planet's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 and, by 2030, to reduce its emissions intensity (i.e., the level of its emissions relative to its gross domestic product) by 45% compared to 2005 levels, while the country remains largely dependent on coal to meet its energy demand.

According to Amit Jain, Engie's director for India, the installed solar and wind power capacity in the country amounts to approximately 118 GW and, each year, the country auctions an additional 50 GW.