#India #Renewable Energy #ACEN #UPC Renewables #Rajasthan, Karnataka

ACEN and UPC Renewables Break Ground on Major Projects

ACEN, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, in collaboration with UPC Renewables, has set a significant milestone by commencing construction on two major renewable energy projects in India. The projects include a 420 MW solar farm located in the high-irradiance Barmer region of Rajasthan and a 120 MW wind farm in Karnataka. This strategic advancement solidifies their presence in one of the most rapidly growing clean energy markets globally.

Project Details

The solar farm in Rajasthan is anticipated to generate approximately 767 GWh of clean electricity annually, while the wind farm in Karnataka is expected to produce about 391 GWh yearly. Together, these initiatives will yield a combined total of 1,158 GWh of renewable energy each year, enough to power around 241,000 homes and play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions by over 876,000 tons per year.

The sites were selected based on their favorable conditions for renewable energy production. The Rajasthan solar farm is particularly strategically located to capitalize on the region's abundant sunlight, while the wind farm in Karnataka will benefit from the robust monsoonal wind patterns, aiding in efficient energy harnessing.

Economic Impact

In addition to enhancing the energy landscape, these projects are poised to bring substantial economic benefits to the local communities. The construction phase alone is expected to create over 1,500 green jobs, which will aid in boosting local employment rates and contribute to economic development in the region.

Patrice Clausse, the Chief Executive Officer of ACEN International, emphasized the significance of these projects, stating, "These new ventures signify not only the scale of our operations but also the momentum we are generating. Our partnership with UPC Renewables has been a key factor in facilitating disciplined capital deployment across high-potential markets like India."

Brian Caffyn, the Chairman and Group CEO of UPC Renewables, shared his enthusiasm regarding the expansion, stating, "Since our inception in 1994, UPC has spearheaded the delivery of renewable energy projects across various jurisdictions. The launch of these new projects marks a vital milestone in our growth across the Asia-Pacific region, reaffirming our commitment to scalable and sustainable energy solutions."

Future Aspirations

Both ACEN and UPC Renewables have ambitious plans for the future. Alok Nigam, the CEO of UPC Renewables India, noted, "We are excited to kick off the second phase of growth for UPC India's platform with these projects. They are part of a more extensive portfolio comprising over 1 GWp of renewable energy projects we plan to deliver in the coming two years, significantly contributing to India’s clean energy transition."

This new phase of growth builds on the existing momentum that ACEN and UPC Renewables have achieved in India, which already includes three operational assets with a total capacity of 650 MW: the 420 MW Masaya Solar, 70 MW Paryapt Solar, and 140 MW Sitara Solar.

About ACEN

ACEN, under the Ayala group, is recognized as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy platforms in the Asia-Pacific region, with its core market being the Philippines. The company also holds vast investments in Australia, Vietnam, India, and Laos, among other regions. Currently, ACEN has approximately 7 GW of attributable renewable energy capacity derived from operational and ongoing projects. The company is committed to achieving 100% renewable energy generation by 2025 and aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In conclusion, the collaboration between ACEN and UPC Renewables signifies a significant advancement in India's renewable energy landscape, marking a promising new chapter in global clean energy efforts.