BrightNight, a prominent global renewable energy producer, has launched the first phase of its 115 MW hybrid renewable energy project, Optima Maharashtra, in Dharashiv, located in southern Maharashtra. This marks one of the state’s pioneering co-located wind and solar projects and signifies BrightNight's inaugural energy supply to India's national power grid, furthering the nation's goal of decarbonising its energy sector. Spanning around 14,000 acres, the project integrates cutting-edge wind and solar technologies, powered by BrightNight’s proprietary AI-driven PowerAlpha® platform. The facility is expected to produce dispatchable clean energy, enough to power approximately 230,000 homes each year, while also reducing carbon emissions by around 225,000 tonnes annually.

Optima Maharashtra is a key milestone in Maharashtra's ambitious target of generating 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Martin Hermann, CEO of BrightNight, commented, “India’s fast-paced growth, substantial energy demand, and supportive policy framework make it a crucial market for us. Optima Maharashtra will be instrumental in supporting the state’s clean energy targets and advancing India’s national net-zero goals.”

BrightNight's expansion into the Asia-Pacific region commenced with India, which has become a cornerstone of its global growth strategy. In 2023, ACEN Corporation, based in the Philippines, committed $250 million to support BrightNight’s gigawatt-scale renewable power initiatives in India. The company has already entered into a power purchase agreement with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited and has secured tenders from NTPC and NHPC for stable and dispatchable renewable energy supply. BrightNight is set to break ground on two large-scale hybrid projects in Rajasthan, combining wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems to meet peak power demands. The company is also progressing with projects in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan to offer reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Jerome Ortiz, CEO of BrightNight APAC, remarked, “Optima Maharashtra is aligned with India’s vision to transition to a clean energy-driven economy by 2047. It stands as a model for similar projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region.”

Optima Maharashtra is expected to create around 300 jobs during its development phase and will contribute to the growth of the regional renewable energy industry. BrightNight is also engaging with local communities to ensure effective resource use and long-term benefits for the region. Naveen Khandelwal, CEO of BrightNight India, said, “This project sets a benchmark for future developments aimed at accelerating decarbonisation. Our goal is to foster a future where renewable energy drives India's economic growth and global leadership.”