ACEN Corp., the power arm of the Ayala Group, and US-based renewable power company BrightNight announced the commissioning of the first phase of the hybrid 153-MWdc Optima Maharashtra project in India.
“Our partnership with BrightNight on this project represents a significant step forward in accelerating the energy transition in India. As a partner deeply committed to renewable energy, ACEN is proud to support this landmark project, which aligns with our shared vision of a sustainable and decarbonized future for the region,” said ACEN International chief executive Patrice Clausse in a statement.
Optima Maharashtra combines state-of-the-art wind and solar technologies with BrightNight’s proprietary AI-enabled PowerAlpha platform on Dharashiv, Southern Maharashtra, spanning over 500 acres.
ACEN said the cutting-edge system maximizes energy output while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint, setting a benchmark for scalable, sustainable energy solutions across India.
It said Optima Maharashtra is poised to play a transformative role in helping Maharashtra achieve its goal of sourcing over 50 percent of its energy from renewables by 2030.
The project’s capacity to deliver dispatchable clean energy can power about 230,000 homes annually, while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 225,000 metric tons per year.
ACEN formed its partnership with BrightNight in 2023 with the goal of building out its development pipeline of over 1.2 GW in India.
BrightNight APAC chief executive Jerome Ortiz said the parties are actively advancing gigawatt-scale portfolio in India, leveraging on cutting-edge technology to deliver reliable, round-the- clock clean and sustainable power.
“Optima Maharashtra perfectly aligns with the State’s clean energy goals and India’s vision to be a net zero carbon emitter by 2070. It also serves as a pioneering model for similar projects and partnerships in the Asia Pacific region,” Ortiz said.