Energy-modelling company works with Indian businesses to meet renewables targets

Prime Minister Modi has set India an eye-watering challenge: installing 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. One gigawatt is sufficient to power approximately 750,000 homes (Source: CNET, Gigawatt: The Solar Energy Term You Should Know About, March 2024). Five hundred gigawatts? That’s enough to power 375 million homes.

Australia’s Energy Exemplar is supporting India towards that goal.

The company’s advanced, energy modelling and simulation software helps governments and businesses plan the optimal mix of renewable energy, and associated transmission and storage. This means vast, planned solar power initiatives can be successfully integrated into local grids.

‘By equipping stakeholders to model and mitigate emissions challenges, we can accelerate India’s transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy future,’ says Ramchandra Deshpande, Energy Exemplar’s Senior Vice President for India.

From South Australia to India

Energy Exemplar is an Australian pioneer that’s helping countries around the world to make the energy transition. The company was founded in 1999 by Dr. Glenn Drayton from academic research undertaken as part of a PhD.

The company’s core software, PLEXOS, enables organisations to model energy production and consumption. This helps businesses and governments ensure that renewable energy projects – including battery storage – can meet anticipated network demand, 24/7.

The software is globally successful. Energy Exemplar is growing quickly and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company is represented in more than 80 countries. It has more than 550 clients and is growing by roughly one-third each year.

Clean energy opportunities in India

One key new market is a game-changer in global energy: India.

India’s energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation. This is being driven by government-led demand for renewable energy integration.

‘India wants to generate 50% of its power by renewables in 2030,’ says Deshpande. ‘To achieve this means having to integrate scores of renewable energy projects into existing grids.

‘Today, there are significant investments in infrastructure, decarbonisation initiatives and hydrogen programs. This creates opportunity for advanced energy modelling and simulation technologies.

‘However, this also creates the demand for skills development, so that modelling technologies can be used and applied,’ he adds. 

Staff at Energy Exemplar’s India Center of Excellence support clients in India’s energy sector.

Powering up in India

Energy Exemplar opened its first Indian office in Pune, Maharashtra in 2018. The company also opened an India Development Centre in 2020. This has quickly expanded into an India Center of Excellence. Today, the company has over 200 highly qualified professionals working in the country.

‘Our growth in India is being driven by the accelerated adoption of our software for critical market modelling and system planning,’ says Stuart Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer at Energy Exemplar, who is based in Australia.

Staff members engage with a range of stakeholders in government and industry. These include energy producers, distribution utilities, regulators, planning bodies and consultants.

Growth in India is powered by home-grown, energy-modelling expertise.

‘Our India-based team is supported by global specialists, who provide technical expertise and training,’ says Deshpande.

Helping India achieve emissions targets

Energy Exemplar’s software is now being used by customers across India. These include independent power producers, transmission utilities and renewable power producers. They also include consulting firms and regulatory bodies.

‘Our product enables organisations to plan optimal energy mixes and evaluate long-term strategies,’ says Deshpande. ‘They can model renewable-energy usage and simulate decarbonising scenarios.

‘These simulations enable cost-efficient investment in green infrastructure. By providing advanced tools for energy integration and grid stability – and efficient resource utilisation – we can support India’s climate goals.’

How Austrade helped

Austrade advisors in India have provided in-market assistance since the company first arrived. 

‘Austrade has been instrumental in connecting us with key industry stakeholders, including utilities, regulators and policymakers,’ says Kelly. ‘Advisors have provided us with deep market insights. Austrade networking opportunities have led to significant collaborations.’

Executives say Austrade-organised events have amplified the company’s profile in India. For example, Austrade helped Energy Exemplar gain a guest speaker role at a Round Table ministerial discussion.

‘Austrade’s guidance has been invaluable in helping us navigate the regulatory landscape,’ says Kelly. ‘This has accelerated our market entry and commercial success.’

Future prospects

Key achievements to date include developing the company’s India Fundamental Power Model. This India-specific model offers critical insights for energy market planning. It is now a marketable resource.

Energy Exemplar has also contributed to studies that will shape India’s energy transition policies and build local modelling capacity.

‘We are collaborating with academic institutions and training bodies to foster local expertise in energy modelling,’ says Deshpande.

‘We will continue to contribute to India’s long-term energy security and net-zero objectives through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.’