Industry leaders, policymakers, and corporate consumers unite to chart a cost-effective, sustainable roadmap for South India’s commercial and industrial energy transition
Bengaluru, NFAPost: The push for a 100% renewable energy future in South India gained strong momentum as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and AMPIN Energy Transition, in collaboration with Deloitte and Sumitomo Corporation, hosted their flagship seminar Renewable Energy Transition for Commercial and Industrial Consumers in the Southern Region at the Taj MG Road, Bengaluru.
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology innovators, and corporate decision-makers to outline the opportunities, strategies, and policies required to achieve full renewable adoption for Commercial and Industrial (C&I) consumers.
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh Lead the Charge
In a video address, Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority, emphasised the transformative shift underway.
“The C&I sector plays a vital role in India’s clean energy journey, boosting national goals and global competitiveness through a green identity,” he said. “We are committed to grid reliability, seamless renewable integration, and strategic storage deployment to accelerate India’s sustainable, energy-secure future.”
Shri Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the state’s leadership, noting that over 70% of Karnataka’s installed capacity comes from green power.
“Our policies are designed to empower C&I customers to embrace renewables through open access and innovative solutions,” Gupta said. “We invite all stakeholders to collaborate in building a resilient, future-ready Karnataka.”
From Tamil Nadu, Shri Aneesh Shekhar, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL), underscored the central role of energy storage.
“The next vital phase hinges on how we integrate C&I consumers into the burgeoning storage market,” he said. “Storage is the most critical infrastructure for achieving our goal of 30 GW by 2030.”
Representing Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kamalakar Babu, VC & Managing Director of the New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation, called the seminar “a pivotal moment” for the region.
“Our Integrated Clean Energy Policy is designed to catalyse investment, create jobs, and align with national aspirations like Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.
Industry Voices and Economic Drivers
AMPIN Energy Transition’s Co-Chair of FICCI’s Renewable Energy CEOs Committee, Mr. Pinaki Bhattacharyya, pointed to Southern India’s renewable leadership and vast growth potential.
“Transitioning to 100% renewable energy is not only achievable but delivers compelling economic benefits, including significant energy cost savings,” he said. “We aim to unlock 33 GW of renewable potential in the South over the next four years.”
From the policy advisory side, Mr. Anish Mandal, Partner, Deloitte India, stressed that the C&I sector is leading the green shift.
“Green energy is not just an environmental imperative but a strategic business decision,” he said. “Progressive policy enablers like green open access and virtual PPAs, combined with advancing storage solutions, are creating unprecedented opportunities.”
A Clear Business Case for Renewables
The seminar underscored the economic and operational benefits of renewables for the C&I segment, which consumes over half of India’s electricity. Speakers pointed to tangible cost savings, greater energy independence, and enhanced sustainability credentials as key motivators.
Shri Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Managing Director, Karnataka Power Transmission Company Limited (KPTCL), detailed infrastructure investments to support this transition.
“We are building the electrical highways of tomorrow and making significant investments in storage to ensure round-the-clock availability of green power,” Pandey said. “This positions Karnataka as a competitive destination for industry.”
Building Momentum Towards Net Zero
Wrapping up the discussions, Mr. Arpan Gupta, Director, FICCI, reflected on the collaborative spirit of the event.
“The scale of opportunity in India’s renewable energy transition is immense,” Gupta said. “Today’s dialogue has reinforced the shared commitment to translating opportunities into tangible outcomes.”
The event also showcased AMPIN’s multi-technology renewable solutions and innovative financing models to help businesses achieve net-zero ambitions. Attendees participated in interactive discussions, case study presentations, and networking sessions that connected policymakers with C&I leaders.
With the southern states already contributing significantly to India’s solar and wind capacity, the seminar reaffirmed the region’s position as a driving force in the nation’s clean energy roadmap. The message from the day was clear: the C&I sector is not just a participant in the renewable transition—it is the engine powering it.
