Reliance Denies Battery Plant Pause, Reaffirms Manufacturing Goals
Overview
Reliance Industries on Monday firmly denied reports of pausing its battery storage manufacturing plans. The conglomerate stated its ambitions to build a world-leading battery ecosystem are "progressing well in line with our target timelines," countering a Bloomberg News story that claimed the company had halted lithium-ion cell production plans after failing to secure Chinese technology. RIL's statement provides clarity to investors amid evolving global technology transfer regulations.
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Reliance Industries Rejects Reports of Battery Manufacturing Halt
Reliance Industries Limited on Monday categorically denied claims that it had paused its ambitious battery storage manufacturing plans. The statement directly refutes a Bloomberg News report published Sunday, which cited anonymous sources suggesting the conglomerate had halted plans to produce lithium-ion battery cells in India due to an unsuccessful bid to license technology from a Chinese firm.
A spokesperson for the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate stated via email that "Reliance Industries strongly and categorically affirms that there has been no change in our plans for creating a world leading battery storage manufacturing ecosystem from Cell to containerised ESS and that they are progressing well in line with our target timelines." The company's response aims to dispel uncertainty surrounding its strategic initiatives in the rapidly growing energy storage sector.
The Bloomberg report had indicated that Reliance Industries had been in discussions with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology. However, these talks reportedly stalled, with the Chinese firm withdrawing from the proposed partnership. This withdrawal was attributed to China's recent tightening of controls on overseas technology transfers in key strategic sectors, a move Beijing implemented by requiring export permits for lithium battery components last October.
Strategic Clarity Amid Shifting Regulations
Reliance's assertion of its plans remaining on track comes at a critical juncture for global clean energy supply chains. The company's stated goal is to establish a comprehensive battery manufacturing ecosystem, ranging from individual cells to complete containerized energy storage systems (ESS). This denial aims to reassure stakeholders and maintain investor confidence, particularly following reports of potential shifts in its manufacturing approach, possibly focusing more on assembling ESS units.
The company's commitment to battery manufacturing aligns with India's broader push for self-reliance in green technologies and electric mobility. By reaffirming its timelines, Reliance Industries signals its intent to navigate complex geopolitical and technological landscapes to achieve its strategic objectives in the energy transition.
