Interview: Julian Thomas, Portfolio Director, Energy & Battery Industry – India, Informa Markets India

The much-anticipated 10th edition of RenewX Expo, now takes place from 27th to 29th April 2026

Over the past decade, how has RenewX Expo reflected the evolving renewable energy market in South India and highlighted key trends for India and the Asia-Pacific region?
The much-anticipated 10th edition of RenewX Expo, a premier event dedicated to renewable energy and sustainability, has been rescheduled to align with the upcoming state elections. Originally planned for earlier dates, the event will now take place from 27th to 29th April 2026, ensuring that it continues to serve as a powerful platform for the renewable energy sector while respecting the democratic process.
Over the past decade, RenewX Expo has been a pivotal platform, showcasing the dynamic growth and transformation of the renewable energy market in South India while highlighting key trends shaping India and the Asia-Pacific region. Our journey began in 2014, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Government, when we hosted a landmark event to promote the Tamil Nadu Solar Policy, setting the stage for a brighter, sustainable future.
The formation of Telangana in 2014 marked a turning point, as the demand for renewable energy solutions surged in the region. Recognizing this need, we launched RenewX Expo to create a dedicated platform for manufacturers to connect with dealers and distributors, fostering business opportunities and supporting South Indian manufacturers in reaching buyers from across the country.
With unwavering support from the industry, government bodies, nodal agencies, associations, and an ever-growing number of visitors, RenewX Expo has grown year after year. Today, it is recognized as the premier event in South India, exclusively focused on the sourcing of renewable energy products.
In our most recent edition, we made a strategic move to Chennai, a hub for renewable energy enterprises, to further support businesses in their journey toward adopting solar and other sustainable energy solutions.
The upcoming 10th edition of RenewX Expo, scheduled from 27th to 29th April 2026 at the Chennai Trade Center, promises to be our most comprehensive event yet. Spanning Halls 1, 2, 3, and the Hanger, the expo will feature over 200 high-quality brands showcasing a diverse range of products, including:
• Solar energy products
• Energy storage solutions
• Bio-energy innovations
• Energy solution Companies
• Allied products from manufacturing to technology
This milestone edition will serve as a one-stop solution for investors, project developers, system integrators, end-users, and technology solution providers, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore the latest advancements, forge valuable partnerships, and drive the renewable energy revolution forward.
As we celebrate a decade of success, RenewX Expo remains committed to empowering the renewable energy ecosystem in South India and contributing to the region’s sustainable development.

From a market perspective, what key factors are driving renewable energy growth in South India and strengthening regional industry collaboration?
South India is emerging as a powerhouse for renewable energy growth, driven by a combination of equitable development strategies, forward-thinking policies, and robust industry collaboration. The region’s focus on creating a diversified ecosystem to address both rural and urban development has positioned it as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
Tamil Nadu: A Beacon of Growth and Sustainability
Tamil Nadu stands out as a prime example of this growth, achieving an impressive 16% GDP growth in FY 2025, one of the highest among Indian states. This unprecedented growth is fuelled by several key factors:
• Skilled Workforce Supply: The state boasts a strong pool of skilled manpower, which has been instrumental in driving industrial and economic development.
• Progressive Government Policies: Tamil Nadu’s forward-thinking policies have created a favourable environment for businesses, including renewable energy enterprises.
• Plug-and-Play Business Ecosystem: The state has developed a seamless ecosystem that supports businesses in setting up operations quickly and efficiently.
• Empowered Female Workforce: Tamil Nadu has achieved a remarkable milestone, with 41% of its factory workforce comprising women, showcasing its commitment to gender equity in employment.
• Sustainability Leadership: Ranked third in sustainable growth among Indian states, Tamil Nadu is setting benchmarks in environmental and economic balance.
These factors collectively contribute to the state’s ability to attract investments and foster innovation in renewable energy, making it a hub for green power solutions.
Regional Collaboration and Enterprise Development
The growth story is not limited to Tamil Nadu alone. Other South Indian states are also witnessing record-breaking progress in enterprise development. The increasing demand for electricity, driven by the expansion of businesses and production activities, has created a pressing need for sustainable energy solutions. In response to the rising energy needs, platforms like the RenewX Expo are playing a pivotal role in strengthening regional industry collaboration.

With the 10th edition approaching, what new market trends, technologies, and industry discussions can participants expect, especially in energy storage and bioenergy?
The 10th edition of RenewX Expo marks a decade of transformative contributions to India’s renewable energy sector. Organized by Informa Markets, the event has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between the government and industry, creating a robust ecosystem for initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar scheme. This milestone is a celebration of achievements and a gateway to future innovations.
The 2026 edition promises exciting developments, particularly in energy storage and bioenergy. Advanced energy storage solutions for Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and residential markets will be showcased, addressing the growing need for reliable and efficient power. Cutting-edge battery technologies and hybrid systems will take center stage.
A dedicated Bioenergy Pavilion will highlight advancements in biofuels, biogas, and biomass technologies, emphasizing their role in reducing carbon footprints and enhancing India’s renewable energy mix. Additionally, the expo will feature an expanded presence of equipment suppliers catering to manufacturing needs, supporting localized production and scalability.