Published: April 18, 2025
Introduction
Greenko Group is not just one of India’s most influential renewable energy developers; it is also a symbol of the country’s larger ambition to build a net-zero future. With an expansive portfolio in solar, wind, hydroelectric, and energy storage, Greenko is transforming India’s grid, reducing its carbon footprint, and creating a model for industrial decarbonization in emerging economies. This deep-dive profile explores Greenko’s founding vision, strategic projects, partnerships, technology leadership, and its bold leap into green hydrogen, ammonia, and joint ventures.
Chapter 1: The Genesis of Greenko
1.1 The Founders
Greenko was co-founded in 2006 by Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli. Coming from entrepreneurial and technical backgrounds, they envisioned a company that could change India’s energy story by moving away from fossil fuels and into scalable, technology-driven clean energy. Their early work focused on small hydro projects, before rapidly expanding into wind and solar.
1.2 Funding and Growth
Initial growth was fueled by investments from global green energy funds and sovereign wealth investors such as GIC of Singapore and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. This institutional capital gave Greenko the ability to compete for large infrastructure projects and to scale vertically and horizontally.
Chapter 2: Greenko’s Energy Portfolio
2.1 Solar
Greenko owns and operates over 2.5 GW of solar power capacity. Projects are located in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. The company uses both monocrystalline and bifacial solar panels, deployed in large utility-scale formats and hybrid systems.
2.2 Wind
With over 2 GW of wind assets, Greenko has built wind farms in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The company uses turbine technologies sourced from both domestic and international manufacturers, optimized for high load factor regions.
2.3 Hydro
Greenko is India’s largest private operator of hydro assets, including run-of-river and pumped storage. These include projects in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Pumped hydro storage is the backbone of its dispatchable renewable strategy.
2.4 Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Projects (IRESP)
One of Greenko’s biggest innovations is the IRESP model. These multi-GW hybrid plants integrate solar, wind, and pumped hydro into a single dispatchable energy block. The flagship project is in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where Greenko is building India’s largest renewable energy storage plant.
Chapter 3: Greenko and Energy Storage
3.1 The Need for Storage
As India’s share of renewables increases, so does the need for flexible power. Storage mitigates the intermittency of wind and solar, especially during peak evening demand.
3.2 Pumped Hydro
Greenko is constructing over 25 GWh of pumped storage capacity. These are low-cost, long-duration solutions and are integrated with nearby wind and solar to provide 24/7 clean power.
3.3 Battery Storage
While pumped hydro is their main focus, Greenko has also piloted lithium-ion battery systems to provide short-duration ancillary services like frequency regulation and voltage control.
Chapter 4: Green Hydrogen and Ammonia
4.1 India’s Green Hydrogen Mission
India launched a National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 with a target of 5 million tonnes annual production by 2030. Greenko has emerged as a leader in this space.
4.2 Electrolyzer Gigafactory
Greenko, in partnership with John Cockerill of Belgium, is building a 2 GW/year electrolyzer gigafactory in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
4.3 Green Ammonia Export Hubs
Greenko is developing green ammonia hubs on India’s eastern coast to export to Japan, Europe, and Korea. These facilities will use offshore wind and solar to generate ammonia for use in fertilizer, shipping, and industrial sectors.
Chapter 5: Partnerships and Collaborations
5.1 ArcelorMittal
A $600M joint venture with ArcelorMittal powers the steel giant’s Hazira plant with renewables.
5.2 ONGC and Indian Oil
Greenko has partnered with oil and gas giants to decarbonize refineries and petrochemical plants using green electricity and hydrogen.
5.3 Rio Tinto
In 2025, Greenko launched a landmark joint venture with global mining giant Rio Tinto to develop a large-scale green aluminium project in India. The venture will explore the construction of a 1 million tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter and 2 million tonnes per annum of alumina production, all powered by renewable energy and backed by Greenko’s pumped hydro storage systems. The initiative aligns Rio Tinto’s decarbonization goals with Greenko’s renewable infrastructure capabilities and is expected to become one of the world’s first major zero-emissions aluminium supply chains.
5.4 International Collaborations
Greenko works with institutions like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), World Bank, and UNDP on climate initiatives.
Chapter 6: ESG and Impact
6.1 Social Programs
Greenko runs community development initiatives, including mobile health clinics, water supply systems, solar lamp distribution, and school scholarships.
6.2 Environmental Stewardship
The company adheres to IFC and World Bank environmental protocols. It has rehabilitated over 10,000 acres of degraded land across its sites.
6.3 Governance
Greenko has a strong corporate governance system with independent directors, ESG audits, and public sustainability reports.
Chapter 7: Financial Performance and Future Outlook
7.1 Revenue Trends
Greenko earned approximately $1.2B in revenue in FY 2024-25, with EBITDA margins of 45% and robust cash flows from long-term PPAs.
7.2 Green Bonds
Greenko was the first Indian renewable firm to issue $1B in green bonds listed on LSE, used to fund IRESPs.
7.3 IPO Plans
The company is preparing for an international IPO by 2026, with roadshows expected in London and Singapore.
Chapter 8: Challenges and Criticism
8.1 Land and Water Conflicts
Some of Greenko’s hydro projects have been challenged over land acquisition and water usage. The company has responded by setting up grievance redressal mechanisms.
8.2 Regulatory Uncertainty
Delayed payments from DISCOMs and unclear hydrogen pricing policies remain key risks.
8.3 Global Competition
International firms like Adani Green, ReNew Power, and Brookfield Renewables are also scaling fast, intensifying competition.
Chapter 9: Greenko’s Global Vision
9.1 Asia and Africa
Greenko is exploring RE infrastructure opportunities in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Kenya.
9.2 Innovation Hub
It recently inaugurated a Clean Energy R&D Center in Bengaluru to test grid-scale storage, microgrids, and hydrogen integration.
9.3 The India Model
Greenko wants to export the “India Model” of integrated renewable energy plus hydrogen as a replicable solution for other developing economies.
Chapter 10: Greenko’s Digital Innovation and Clean Energy Workforce
10.1 AI-Powered Grid Management and Predictive Analytics
Greenko has placed digital innovation at the core of its operations, leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and automation to manage its clean energy assets. The company employs AI for critical tasks such as predictive maintenance of equipment, demand forecasting, and intelligent energy managementgreenkogroup.com. These AI-driven analytics enable Greenko to anticipate issues before they escalate – for example, by analyzing real-time data to detect equipment anomalies or forecasting solar/wind output – thereby reducing downtime and optimizing power output. In practice, Greenko uses a Daily Performance Management Protocol (DPMP) in its solar farms to track weather conditions and key performance metrics, identifying issues like panel soiling or inverter faults early. This approach is bolstered by digital dashboards for data visualization, automated analysis tools to flag deviations, and even drone-based asset health inspections for its solar and wind sitesgreenkogroup.com. By coupling AI with such real-time monitoring systems, Greenko achieves more stable grid management, minimizes energy wastage, and enhances the reliability of power distributiongreenkogroup.com. These digital innovation strategies not only improve operational efficiency but also allow Greenko to handle the variability of renewable energy with greater precision.
10.2 Smart Grid Integration and Digital Infrastructure
As India advances towards a smart grid future, Greenko is integrating cutting-edge digital infrastructure to make the grid more intelligent and responsive. The company has adopted Digital Twin technology and other digital tools to simulate and optimize the performance of its assets and grid operations. For instance, Greenko’s control centers utilize digital twin models of renewable plants and storage systems to run simulations of different operating scenariosgreenkogroup.com. This capability allows engineers to test adjustments virtually, optimize resource utilization, and predict outcomes without risking real assets. Along with digital twins, Greenko deploys automated, sensor-rich control systems – sometimes described as “digital grid solutions” – that provide real-time monitoring of grid conditions and automated control of energy flowsgreenkogroup.com. This grid intelligence ensures that even as wind or solar inputs fluctuate, the system can quickly respond (for example, by adjusting battery storage discharge or dispatching pumped hydro reserves) to stabilize the grid and optimize energy distributiongreenkogroup.com. The integration of these digital systems effectively creates a smart microcosm of the larger grid, where software and analytics continuously balance supply and demand. Greenko’s in-house platforms (such as its Greenko Operations Management System) further consolidate data from across its sites, providing a centralized view of operations and enabling data-driven decision making across the enterprisegreenkogroup.com. By embracing digital transformation in grid management, Greenko not only improves its own asset performance but also contributes technological learnings to India’s broader smart grid efforts.
- Digital Twin Deployment: Simulating plant and storage operations virtually to test and refine performance, leading to optimized energy output and reduced downtimegreenkogroup.com.
- Real-Time Grid Intelligence: Using IoT sensors, AI, and automated controls to monitor grid conditions live and adjust energy flows instantaneously for stabilitygreenkogroup.com.
- Advanced Analytics Platforms: Implementing centralized digital platforms (e.g. GOMS) for aggregating data, forecasting energy supply/demand, and guiding operational decisions through predictive insightsgreenkogroup.com.
Through these initiatives, Greenko has effectively created a smart, resilient energy network. Its renewable energy projects function not just as power plants, but as intelligent nodes in a future-ready grid – capable of self-optimization and rapid response. This digital backbone also provides critical insights for preventive maintenance and performance tuning, reinforcing Greenko’s position as a technology leader in renewable energygreenkogroup.com. In summary, Greenko’s smart grid integration efforts exemplify how digital infrastructure can enable large-scale renewable penetration without compromising grid reliability.
10.3 Clean Energy Workforce Development and Talent Strategies
Behind Greenko’s digital and renewable energy push is a strong emphasis on workforce development. The company recognizes that human capital – a skilled, tech-savvy, and adaptable workforce – is essential for sustaining innovation in AI, smart grids, and emerging areas like green hydrogen. Greenko has implemented robust employee training and upskilling programs to build this clean energy workforce. For example, through its Employee Professional Advancement through Continuous Education (E-PACE) policy, Greenko sponsors and encourages its employees to pursue advanced degrees and certifications in engineering, technology, and management. In collaboration with institutions like BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Program, Greenko’s engineers and managers can enroll in B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, and other courses while workingbits-pilani-wilp.ac.inbits-pilani-wilp.ac.in. The aim is to groom its personnel into “future energy leaders” equipped with the latest technical know-how and leadership skillsbits-pilani-wilp.ac.in.
Greenko also runs internal training initiatives targeting the skills needed for its evolving business. All employees go through technical trainings that not only cover current operational needs but also emerging technologies. Notably, Greenko has introduced learning programs focusing on futuristic skills like AI, Green Hydrogen, and Green Ammonia – areas poised to become crucial in the next wave of energy transitiongreenkogroup.com. By educating its workforce in green hydrogen technologies, for instance, Greenko ensures it has the in-house expertise to manage upcoming green hydrogen production projects and related innovations. Regular workshops, hackathons, and innovation challenges are encouraged to foster an innovation-centric culture. The company’s partnerships with top universities and research institutes (such as the Greenko School of Sustainable Science & Technology at IIT) further support knowledge exchange and skill development in specialized fieldsgreenkogroup.comgreenkogroup.com.
Greenko’s talent strategy also emphasizes attracting and retaining technical talent who are passionate about clean energy. The firm promotes a culture where employees are empowered to experiment with new digital solutions and process improvements. By offering continuous learning opportunities, clear career progression, and involvement in pioneering projects, Greenko is building a motivated, capable team ready to drive the energy transition. This focus on human capital has tangible benefits: employees proficient in AI tools can refine predictive maintenance algorithms; those trained in digital twins can improve operational models; and a workforce knowledgeable in hydrogen can accelerate Greenko’s foray into green fuels. In essence, Greenko’s workforce development initiatives ensure that its people grow in parallel with technological advances – creating an innovation engine within the company that can tackle the complex challenges of integrating renewables at scale.
- Academic Partnerships: Greenko partners with leading institutes (e.g. IITs, BITS Pilani) to provide employees with part-time higher education and certification programs, keeping skills on the cutting edgebits-pilani-wilp.ac.in.
- Upskilling in Emerging Technologies: The company’s training curriculum includes modules on AI, machine learning, digital grid management, green hydrogen, and energy storage systems, preparing staff for next-generation projectsgreenkogroup.com.
- Leadership Development: Internal mentorships, management development programs, and innovation incubators (like Greenko’s BUILD program for young innovators) cultivate leadership and entrepreneurship within the workforce, aligning employees with the company’s clean energy missiongreenkogroup.comgreenkogroup.com.
By investing in its people, Greenko ensures that its digital transformation and renewable energy initiatives are supported by knowledgeable professionals who can operate sophisticated systems and drive continuous improvement. This clean energy workforce is a strategic asset for Greenko, enabling it to maintain operational excellence while pioneering new ventures like large-scale storage and hydrogen fuel production.
10.4 Advancing India’s Decarbonization and Smart Grid Ambitions
Greenko’s push for digital innovation and workforce capability is not happening in isolation – it directly supports India’s broader decarbonization and smart grid ambitions. India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030pib.gov.in, which aligns with the goal of sourcing about 50% of its electricity from renewables by that yeartrade.gov. Additionally, the nation is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070trade.gov. These goals necessitate not only a massive rollout of solar, wind, and hydro projects, but also the modernization of the grid and the development of new technologies (like energy storage and green hydrogen) to manage intermittent renewable supply. Greenko’s initiatives are catalyzing progress on both fronts. By stabilizing renewable energy through AI-driven grid management and large-scale storage, Greenko is helping integrate more clean power into the grid than ever before – a key requirement for meeting the 500 GW renewable targetpib.gov.in. Every megawatt of solar or wind is more valuable when paired with smart management that ensures its energy can be delivered reliably; Greenko’s digital tools for demand forecasting and automated dispatch contribute to this reliable delivery, thereby encouraging the addition of more renewables onto the grid.
Furthermore, India’s vision for a smart grid involves deploying advanced metering and control infrastructure nationwide. The government’s plan to install 250 million smart meters by 2025 is one such effort to reduce losses and enable two-way communication in the power systemtrade.gov. Greenko’s smart-grid-aligned projects serve as exemplars in this transformation – demonstrating how intelligent energy management systems can operate at scale. For instance, the real-time monitoring and control systems at Greenko’s renewable energy parks mirror the functionalities that utilities seek to achieve through nationwide smart grid upgrades. The data and insights gathered from Greenko’s integrated renewable-storage projects (like its pumped storage plants with digital control) can inform grid operators and policymakers about best practices for balancing an increasingly decentralized and digitalized grid.
Importantly, Greenko’s focus on workforce training in AI and green hydrogen also has wider implications for India’s energy sector. By cultivating talent proficient in these areas, Greenko contributes to building a pool of experts who can drive innovation beyond the company – whether through knowledge sharing, collaborative projects, or future career movements of employees. This addresses a critical piece of India’s energy transition: the need for skilled human capital to design, implement, and maintain advanced clean energy systems. A well-trained clean energy workforce (from engineers to data scientists) accelerates the adoption of technologies that cut carbon emissions in power generation, industry, and transportation.
In summary, Greenko’s digital innovation strategies and human capital development are tightly interwoven with India’s path to a greener grid. By improving grid reliability and flexibility, Greenko’s smart solutions make it feasible to incorporate higher shares of renewables, directly supporting India’s decarbonization targets and climate commitmentspib.gov.intrade.gov. Simultaneously, through its workforce and tech leadership, Greenko is helping to lay the groundwork for an energy ecosystem that is both sustainable and self-sustaining – where cutting-edge technology and skilled professionals work hand in hand. As India marches toward its 2030 and 2070 goals, initiatives like Greenko’s ensure that the journey is bolstered by innovation, expertise, and a forward-thinking approach to energy. Each digital platform deployed and each employee upskilled is a step toward an electricity grid that is smarter, cleaner, and ready to power India’s low-carbon future.
Conclusion
Greenko’s journey is not just the story of a company—it is the story of how a nation can leapfrog into a cleaner future with bold vision, strategic capital, and public-private collaboration. As India emerges as a leader in clean energy, Greenko is positioned as one of its most vital architects.
