Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power Ltd has entered the global energy arena with competitive bids for a 1,500-megawatt (MW) gas-based power project across multiple international markets. The company is actively participating in tenders floated by governments and utilities in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Malaysia, marking a strategic shift in its overseas ambitions.
According to sources familiar with the development, Reliance Power is leveraging its existing inventory of high-capacity gas turbine equipment to fast-track project execution and gain a competitive edge in markets where demand for clean and flexible energy is rising.
🌍 Global Bidding Strategy
Reliance Power’s bids are part of a selective global expansion strategy aimed at monetizing idle assets and tapping into the growing demand for gas-based power in energy-deficient regions. The company has submitted proposals for projects in:
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Malaysia
These countries are actively seeking to diversify their energy mix by integrating natural gas and LNG-based power generation, which is considered cleaner than coal and more reliable than intermittent renewables.
⚙️ Equipment Advantage: 1,500 MW Ready to Deploy
A key differentiator for Reliance Power is its ready-to-deploy inventory of world-class gas turbine equipment. The company had earlier imported three 750-MW modules from General Electric (GE), USA, for a domestic combined-cycle gas project. One of these modules was later exported to Bangladesh for an LNG-based project in partnership with Japan’s JERA.
Now, Reliance Power plans to relocate the remaining two 750-MW modules—totaling 1,500 MW—for deployment in one or more of the overseas projects, depending on bid outcomes.
This gives the company a time-to-market advantage, as global suppliers like GE typically require 3–5 years to deliver similar equipment.
📊 Asset Monetization Potential
The proposed project is expected to unlock significant value for Reliance Power’s balance sheet. The company aims to realize up to ₹2,000 crore through the monetization of these idle assets.
| Asset Description | Quantity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| GE Gas Turbine Modules | 2 units | ₹2,000 crore |
| Installed Capacity (Total) | 1,500 MW | — |
| Deployment Timeline | < 2 years | — |
This monetization will not only improve the company’s financials but also reduce asset redundancy and enhance return on capital employed (ROCE).
🔋 Clean Energy Focus and Bhutan Projects
While bidding for gas-based projects abroad, Reliance Power continues to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio. The company recently secured two major projects in Bhutan:
- 500-MW solar project
- 770-MW hydropower project
These projects are being developed in partnership with Druk Holding & Investments (DHI), the investment arm of the Bhutanese government. This marks the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) by an Indian private company in Bhutan’s renewable energy sector.
Reliance Power is also building a robust pipeline of:
- 2.5 GWp utility-scale solar projects
- 2.5 GWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
This positions the company as India’s largest private player in the integrated solar + BESS segment.
🌐 Strategic Significance of Gas-Based Power
Gas-based power is gaining traction globally due to its:
- Lower carbon emissions compared to coal
- Faster ramp-up capabilities, ideal for grid balancing
- Compatibility with renewable energy integration
Countries like Kuwait, UAE, and Malaysia are investing heavily in gas infrastructure, including LNG terminals and pipelines, to support their energy transition goals.
🏗️ Execution Timeline and Readiness
Reliance Power’s ability to execute within 18–24 months gives it a significant edge over competitors. With equipment already in possession and engineering expertise in place, the company can:
- Reduce project lead time
- Lower capital expenditure
- Improve internal rate of return (IRR)
This is especially critical in regions where energy demand is outpacing supply, and governments are under pressure to commission new capacity quickly.
📈 Market Outlook and Industry Impact
The global gas-based power market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% over the next five years, driven by:
- Rising electricity demand in emerging economies
- Decommissioning of coal-fired plants
- Policy support for cleaner fuels
Reliance Power’s entry into this space could:
- Enhance India’s image as a global energy exporter
- Create new revenue streams for the company
- Encourage other Indian firms to explore overseas opportunities
🧠 Expert Commentary
Energy analyst Ritu Sharma notes:
“Reliance Power’s strategy to repurpose idle assets for global deployment is both financially prudent and strategically sound. It reflects a shift from domestic overcapacity to global opportunity.”
