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Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited is reportedly in discussions with Chinese battery giant CATL and other global suppliers to secure critical components for its large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), as it accelerates its clean energy ambitions amid tightening technology restrictions from China.

The move comes as Reliance pushes ahead with its ambitious energy transition roadmap, particularly its upcoming battery storage facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which is expected to become India’s largest energy storage complex once operational.

According to reports, the discussions highlight a strategic shift in Reliance’s sourcing approach as it works to overcome global supply chain constraints in advanced battery technology.

Jamnagar project at the centre of energy transition plan

The Jamnagar facility is a key part of Reliance’s broader strategy to expand its presence in renewable energy and energy storage infrastructure.

The project aligns with Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s vision of transforming the conglomerate into a major player in India’s clean energy ecosystem.

The energy storage complex is expected to support India’s growing renewable power capacity, especially as the country targets 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.

Battery energy storage systems are considered critical for stabilising renewable energy output, particularly from solar and wind sources, which are intermittent in nature.

Industry experts say large-scale storage infrastructure will play a crucial role in ensuring grid reliability as India increases its reliance on clean energy sources.

Shift in sourcing strategy amid China restrictions

Reliance’s discussions with CATL and other suppliers come at a time when Chinese export controls on advanced battery technologies have tightened, limiting access to key components and know-how.

Earlier, Reliance had explored deeper technology transfer arrangements with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co., but those talks reportedly did not materialise into a formal deal.

The company is now believed to be shifting focus from technology acquisition to direct procurement of pre-manufactured battery cells and components, which can then be assembled into full-scale storage systems in India.

This approach allows Reliance to move forward with its infrastructure plans while reducing dependency on restricted technology transfers.

However, it also highlights the broader challenges faced by Indian companies in securing advanced battery manufacturing capabilities at scale.

Reliance evaluates multiple global partnerships

In a statement cited in reports, a Reliance spokesperson said the company continuously evaluates multiple business opportunities but does not comment on market speculation.

The company also said any material developments would be disclosed in line with stock exchange regulations.

The ongoing discussions with CATL are part of a broader effort to diversify supply chains for energy storage systems and reduce reliance on a single technology partner.

CATL is currently one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, supplying advanced lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, grid storage and consumer electronics.

Its involvement, if finalised, could significantly strengthen Reliance’s ability to scale up its storage infrastructure quickly and efficiently.

India’s growing demand for energy storage systems

India’s push toward renewable energy expansion has created strong demand for battery energy storage systems to manage fluctuations in power supply.

As solar and wind capacity increases, grid stability becomes more dependent on large-scale storage solutions that can store excess energy and supply it during peak demand periods.

Reliance’s Jamnagar project is expected to play a central role in addressing this need, potentially becoming a key asset in India’s evolving energy landscape.

Analysts believe that energy storage will be one of the fastest-growing segments in India’s clean energy sector over the next decade.

Strategic shift from technology transfer to component sourcing

Earlier negotiations between Reliance and CATL reportedly included discussions around technology transfer that would have enabled local manufacturing of battery cells in India using proprietary Chinese processes.

However, those talks did not progress into a final agreement, prompting Reliance to reassess its strategy.

The current approach suggests a pivot towards importing finished components and assembling systems domestically, allowing faster deployment while avoiding regulatory and geopolitical barriers.

This shift reflects a broader global trend where companies balance technological independence with supply chain realities in a rapidly evolving clean energy market.

Clean energy ambitions face supply chain realities

While India’s clean energy ambitions continue to expand rapidly, access to advanced battery technology remains a key bottleneck.

Global supply chains for lithium-ion batteries are heavily concentrated in a few countries, particularly China, which dominates large parts of the manufacturing ecosystem.

For companies like Reliance, navigating these constraints is essential to meeting large-scale renewable energy targets while maintaining cost efficiency and technological competitiveness.

The outcome of ongoing discussions with CATL could therefore play an important role in shaping India’s energy storage capacity in the coming years.

For now, Reliance continues to push ahead with its Jamnagar project as it balances ambition with global supply chain realities.