Ayala-led ACEN Corporation, in partnership with US-based renewable energy firm BrightNight, announced the commissioning of the first phase of its Optima Maharashtra hybrid project in India.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Friday, Jan. 17, ACEN stated that the 153-megawatt direct current (MWdc) solar and wind project spans approximately 500 acres in Dharashiv, Southern Maharashtra.
Designed to maximize energy production through sustainable solutions, ACEN said the project will power an estimated 230,000 households annually while reducing carbon emissions by nearly 225,000 metric tons per year.
This initiative builds on ACEN and BrightNight's 2023 partnership to develop 1.2 GW of renewable energy projects in India. The project is expected to generate around 300 jobs during development, further stimulating the renewable energy sector.
"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," stated ACEN.
Patrice Clausse, CEO of ACEN International, emphasized the partnership's contribution to India's energy transition: "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."
Jerome Ortiz, CEO of BrightNight's Asia-Pacific region, added that the hybrid project advances the partnership's goal of a gigawatt-scale portfolio in India. "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," he shared.
BrightNight CEO Naveen Khandelwal highlighted the project's role in India's decarbonization efforts: "In addition to prioritizing the most efficient use of resources within the areas we operate, we are collaborating with local communities and key stakeholders to help shape a future where renewable energy underpins India's economic growth and global leadership."
ACEN currently has 6.8 GW of attributable renewable energy capacity, including operational, under-construction, and committed projects, with a target of 20 GW by 2030.