Building a Sustainable Future: Mukesh Ambani's Vision for Green Energy

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), outlined plans to develop one of the world’s largest green energy ecosystems, including solar, hydrogen, batteries, and bio-energy, to combat climate change. He highlighted RIL’s legacy of bold, future-focused innovation, from polyester to 4G, and now renewable energy. Ambani also reflected on transformative ventures like Jio, underscoring Reliance’s commitment to India’s growth. As RIL nears its 50th anniversary, Ambani envisions a century-long legacy of serving India and humanity.

In a recent interview with McKinsey’s Gautam Kumra, Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), unveiled the company’s ambitious plans to establish one of the most extensive green energy ecosystems in the world. This initiative will span across various sustainable energy solutions, including solar power, battery storage, hydrogen fuel, and bio-energy. Ambani emphasized that this effort is a key step toward mitigating the global climate crisis.

“We are creating a manufacturing ecosystem focused on green and clean energy, covering a wide spectrum of technologies. This is our way of contributing to the planet's fight against the looming climate emergency,” Ambani stated.

A Legacy of Innovation and Forward Thinking

Ambani highlighted RIL’s consistent focus on building future-ready businesses, referencing past ventures into polyester manufacturing and 4G telecommunications as examples of the company’s visionary approach.

“At the start of any new business, we ask ourselves: What is India’s most urgent developmental need, and how can we address it at scale for the long term? This approach has been central to Reliance’s strategy. With our experience, we can anticipate the future decades ahead. That’s why we ventured into polyester early on and introduced 4G technology ahead of its time. The same mindset now drives our foray into new energy,” he explained.

As Reliance approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, Ambani has set his sights on a century-long legacy. “My aspiration is for Reliance to serve India and humanity for over 100 years. I am confident we will achieve that,” he added.

Transforming Industries Through Bold Moves

Over the years, Reliance has evolved significantly, transitioning from polyester and petrochemical production to telecommunications and now renewable energy. This journey has been marked by bold decisions, including the launch of Jio in 2016. The company invested a staggering $25 billion to enter India’s competitive telecom market, a move that reshaped the industry.

Ambani spoke about the calculated risks RIL has taken, noting that scale has always been a critical factor. “The biggest risk we’ve undertaken so far was Jio. At the time, we invested our own money, and I was the majority shareholder. Some analysts doubted India’s readiness for advanced digital technology, but I reassured my board that even in a worst-case scenario, where financial returns might be minimal, the investment would still be worth it because it was our money,” he said.

A Vision for India’s Future

As Reliance embarks on its green energy journey, the company’s transformation underscores its commitment to addressing India’s pressing needs. Whether it’s pioneering advancements in telecommunications or leading the transition to renewable energy, RIL continues to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Ambani’s vision of building businesses that align with India’s development goals demonstrates a long-term commitment to innovation and impact, ensuring Reliance remains a cornerstone of progress for generations to come.