Reliance Clarifies Battery Strategy After Report on Cell Plans

India’s Reliance Industries said its battery manufacturing strategy remains unchanged after a report by Bloomberg News said the company had paused plans to make lithium-ion battery cells domestically.

In a statement issued on January 12, Reliance said it continues to work toward building an integrated battery storage manufacturing ecosystem, covering battery cells, modules, packs and energy storage systems.

The company said its plans are progressing according to schedule and that there has been no shift in its long-term clean energy goals.

The report, citing people familiar with the matter, said Reliance had put on hold its cell-manufacturing plans after failing to secure technology from China. According to the report, discussions with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology over licensing battery cell technology did not move forward, partly due to Chinese regulatory restrictions.

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China has tightened controls on the export of certain battery technologies, requiring government approval for overseas transfers of critical components and know-how. These restrictions have complicated efforts by foreign companies to access Chinese battery expertise, particularly as demand for energy storage solutions rises globally.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the Bloomberg report. Reliance did not comment on specific negotiations or partners but emphasized that its energy transition strategy remains intact.

Battery manufacturing is a key part of Reliance’s wider push into renewable energy and storage, which also includes green hydrogen projects. The strategy aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen domestic clean-energy supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.

Led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, Reliance has announced major investments in new energy businesses as it looks beyond oil refining and petrochemicals. Progress on its battery plans will be closely watched as global energy markets adapt to shifting supply chains and geopolitics.