According to recent reports, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, engaged in a meeting with key representatives from 'JERA,' one of the leading power generation companies globally. 'JERA,' which previously invested in India's renewable power production sector in 2016, was the focus of discussions as Fadnavis extended an invitation for renewed investment in the state of Maharashtra.

During the meeting, Fadnavis held discussions with senior management figures from 'JERA.' These officials included Yuichiro Kato, Executive Officer and Head of the Low Carbon Fuel Value Chain Division; Toshihiro Oki, Executive Officer and Head of Renewable Energy Business Group; and Tsuyoshi Oyama, General Manager and Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia Upstream Business Unit.

The conversation encompassed an insightful briefing by the 'JERA' representatives regarding the company's operations both in Japan and on a global scale. This exchange aimed to enhance Fadnavis's understanding of 'JERA's business ventures and strategic undertakings.

As per available information, Fadnavis's proactive outreach to 'JERA' underscores the state's commitment to fostering collaborations that propel sustainable energy initiatives forward. This meeting, facilitated by Fadnavis, accentuates the significance of international partnerships in advancing Maharashtra's energy landscape and aligning with India's broader renewable energy ambitions.

"JERA was created through the consolidation of the fuel and thermal power departments of the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the Chubu Electric Power Company. They have total assets of JPY 8.7 trillion / USD 60 bn. They are one of the largest power generators in Japan with installed capacity of more than 70 GW. They invested in the Indian renewables power production space in 2016 and continue to be a partner," Fadnavis wrote on X.

During the discussions, the company officials conveyed their enthusiastic interest in venturing into investment and collaboration realms with the Government of Maharashtra. Their focus lies in the domains of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia, Renewable Energy, and LNG, as they expressed a robust desire to forge strategic partnerships in these sectors.

"This is in line with their vision to be Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050," he added.

A presentation on the green hydrogen policy of Maharashtra was delivered by senior officials of the state government. Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that Maharashtra's innovative green hydrogen policy has garnered significant interest from various companies. He highlighted that Maharashtra's distinction as the first state to introduce such a groundbreaking policy has attracted widespread attention.

Fadnavis also emphasized that JERA's investment inclination in India aligns seamlessly with Maharashtra's objectives, ultimately contributing to India's overarching goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Image source: ET Auto