BlackRock Real Assets, UAE’s Mubadala Invest in India’s Tata Power Company

One of Tata's renewable energy projects. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of Tata's renewable energy projects. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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BlackRock Real Assets, UAE’s Mubadala Invest in India’s Tata Power Company

One of Tata's renewable energy projects. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of Tata's renewable energy projects. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

India's Tata Power Company said on Thursday that a consortium led by the US-based BlackRock Real Assets and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company would invest 40 billion rupees ($525.76 million) in the company’s renewable energy unit for a 10.53% stake.

The investment is expected to fund Tata Power Renewable Energy’s aggressive growth plans in the rooftop and electric vehicle charging space in India.

The final shareholding will range from 9.76% to 11.43% on final conversion.

The newly-created platform will consist of five distinct businesses delivering long-term, customer oriented solutions, including Utility Scale Solar, Wind and Hybrid Generation assets, Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracting, Rooftop Solar Infrastructure, and Solar Pumps and Electric Vehicle Charging infrastructure.

Tata Power Renewables is targeting a portfolio of over 20 gigawatts (GW) of renewables assets over the next five years, from 4.9 GW currently, Tata Power said in a regulatory filing.

India is one of the world’s largest renewable energy markets and has recorded the fastest growing renewable energy supply with over 60% new capacity added over the past four years.

Its installed renewables capacity is expected to grow from 150 GW currently to 500GW by 2030 to satisfy India’s local energy demand driven by GDP growth and contribute to the government’s decarbonization ambition, as well as support the macro energy transition trends in Asia and around the world.

Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power Company Limited, said: “The collaboration will support us to pursue exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the coming decades.”

“With one of the largest portfolios of solar and wind assets in the country and a very experienced management team, Tata Power Renewables is at the forefront of India’s ambition to secure greater energy stability for its citizens while positioning its economy for a low carbon future,” said BlackRock’s global head of real assets Anne Valentine Andrews.

Real Estate and Infrastructure Investments CEO Khaled Abdulla al-Qubaisi said: “As a responsible investor, Mubadala has a strong focus on renewable energy in multiple markets, so we are delighted to be co-investing with BlackRock Real Assets to help progress Tata Power Renewables’ ambitions in India.”



Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East
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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture issued the first operational license for a commercial agricultural project utilizing aeroponics in the Middle East, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The project aims to contribute significantly to the local market's agricultural needs through sustainable production.

The Ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture, Eng Ahmad Al-Ayada, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by representatives of a coalition local and international companies: Tamimi Markets Group from Saudi Arabia, Mitsui Group from Japan, and Zero Group from Italy.

Through the Green Dunes Company, the coalition will come up with modern agricultural solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies and AI. These efforts align with the Kingdom's National Agriculture Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aim to build a sustainable agricultural future.

According to the ministry, the project's first phase has been completed. It entailed the establishment of an aeroponics farm to produce various vegetable varieties. The method is noted for its efficiency, as it reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming techniques and enables year-round productivity.

The project integrates AI and automation at all production stages, employing advanced monitoring systems and performance indicators to optimize output.