Naresh Baluja, Chief Commercial Officer (Renewables), ENGIE India.

What drives the global shift toward green energy alternatives?

The transition to green energy is propelled by the urgent need to address climate change and achieve global sustainability goals. For ENGIE, this shift aligns with our commitment to carbon neutrality and our focus on renewable energy solutions. Global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and rising expectations for corporate sustainability have amplified the drive for cleaner energy. Additionally, the plummeting costs of technologies such as solar, wind, and battery storage, coupled with governmental incentives, have created a compelling case for renewables. ENGIE is leveraging this momentum to lead the global energy transition, offering solutions that address energy security while minimising environmental impact.

What emerging technologies are key to accelerating the renewable energy transition?

ENGIE recognises that the future of renewable energy lies in harnessing breakthrough technologies. Green hydrogen, a key focus area for us, holds transformative potential for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. Similarly, advancements in energy storage, like solid-state batteries and long-duration storage systems, are critical for addressing intermittency challenges. ENGIE also invests in digital grid technologies and AI-driven energy management to optimise renewable integration. These innovations, combined with ENGIE’s global expertise in deploying scalable renewable projects, position us at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.

What grid innovations are essential for widespread adoption of renewables?

The future grid must be smart, resilient, and adaptable to support ENGIE’s vision of a decentralised, renewable-powered energy system. Real-time energy management through digital platforms and AI ensures efficient handling of variable renewable output. ENGIE’s investments in virtual power plants (VPPs) and advanced storage solutions enhance grid reliability. Furthermore, our emphasis on two-way energy flow empowers consumers to become prosumers, enabling a more inclusive energy ecosystem. These innovations are pivotal in creating sustainable grids that can meet growing renewable energy demands.

What challenges exist in scaling renewable energy globally?

While ENGIE actively champions the global energy transition, challenges persist. Unequal access to financing and technology, especially in developing regions, hinders large-scale adoption. Supply chain dependencies for materials like lithium and rare earth elements pose sustainability risks. ENGIE addresses these challenges through strategic partnerships, innovation in resource-efficient technologies, and robust financing mechanisms. Our commitment to a just energy transition ensures that we balance economic, environmental, and social considerations as we scale renewable solutions worldwide.

Is green hydrogen a feasible alternative?

ENGIE is at the forefront of green hydrogen development, recognising its critical role in decarbonising industries like steel, aviation, and shipping. While the technology is still evolving, our large-scale pilot projects demonstrate its growing feasibility. The cost of electrolysis and renewable electricity remains a challenge, but ENGIE’s innovation-driven approach and partnerships aim to bring green hydrogen to market at scale. With supportive policies and continued investment, green hydrogen can become a cornerstone of a net-zero future.

How does ENGIE address the environmental impact of manufacturing renewable components?

Sustainability is at the heart of ENGIE’s operations, encompassing the entire lifecycle of renewable energy systems. We champion a circular economy by prioritising the recycling and reuse of materials from decommissioned projects. ENGIE collaborates with innovators to reduce reliance on environmentally taxing raw materials and to enhance the recyclability of components such as solar panels and wind turbines. Our renewable manufacturing facilities increasingly utilise clean energy, further minimising their environmental footprint. ENGIE’s global strategy ensures that our renewable energy projects adhere to the highest standards of sustainability and community integration. Recently, ENGIE India was honoured with the prestigious Sustainable Energy Transition Certification from Bureau Veritas, reflecting our commitment to developing, building, operating, and dismantling renewable energy projects that are integrated into local communities, respectful of nature, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.

ENGIE is not just responding to these challenges; we are shaping the solutions for a sustainable, renewable-powered future.

(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented)

Naresh Baluja is a seasoned leader with over 16 years of experience in the renewable energy and thermal power industries. As the Head of Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer at ENGIE India, he has been instrumental in securing major projects, including 1.2 GWp of solar bids and leading key partnerships and acquisitions. His strategic approach in project development, procurement, and stakeholder management has driven significant growth and cost savings. Naresh's leadership has also expanded ENGIE India's footprint across India and Southeast Asia. He holds an MBA from HEC Paris and an Executive Program from IIM Calcutta.