Ratul Puri Isn’t Just an Industrialist—He’s Building the Infrastructure of New India

In an era defined by climate urgency, energy insecurity, and the call for inclusive growth, Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, is a name that resonates with transformation. Known widely as a forward-thinking entrepreneur and business magnate, he represents a rare breed of industrialists—one not focused solely on profits but also on building a resilient, sustainable, and innovation-led India.

Ratul Puri isn’t just an industrialist; he is architecting the foundation of New India—an India that runs on renewable power, advanced technology, energy storage, and socially responsible infrastructure.

In this in-depth feature, we uncover how Ratul Puri is building far more than a business empire—he’s building systems, institutions, and clean infrastructure that future-proof the nation.

The Man Behind the Mission: Who Is Ratul Puri?

Ratul Puri graduated in computer engineering and business systems from Carnegie Mellon University, USA. With early exposure to global business practices and a deep understanding of technological disruption, he entered India's energy sector with a fresh perspective.

In 2008, he founded Hindustan Powerprojects Pvt. Ltd., formerly known as Moser Baer Projects. His aim was clear: to address India’s chronic power shortage while keeping sustainability and innovation at the core.

What started as a conventional thermal and solar energy company has now evolved under his leadership into a clean energy and infrastructure powerhouse.

Reinventing Energy Infrastructure: Solar, Thermal, and Battery Storage

1. Solar Power Pioneer

Ratul Puri was among the first Indian industrialists to invest substantially in grid-scale solar power when renewable energy was still an emerging concept in India.

Today, Hindustan Power has developed over 600 MW of solar power projects across India and abroad, becoming a pioneer in utility-scale and rooftop solar installations.

These solar assets are strategically located in high-sunlight zones and are connected to state and national grids, reducing transmission losses and ensuring scalability.

2. Thermal Power with ESG Goals

Unlike traditional thermal plants focused solely on output, Ratul Puri has implemented sustainable practices such as:

• Flue-gas desulfurization units
• High-efficiency turbines
• Coal-to-gas transition readiness

His Goal: to create next-generation thermal units that bridge India's energy demand without compromising environmental standards.

3. Battery Energy Storage (BESS) Initiatives

Recognizing the future of energy lies in storage and distribution, Hindustan Power recently won the Letter of Intent (LOI) for a 120 MWh Battery Energy Storage Project—a landmark move.

These systems will:

• Support grid balancing
• Enable 24x7 renewable power delivery
• Power EV charging networks

Ratul Puri’s commitment to BESS is laying the groundwork for a resilient and decentralized grid, essential for India's renewable future.

Building More Than Power: Infrastructure That Empowers

1. Transmission & Grid Innovation

India’s renewable revolution can only succeed if power reaches the last mile. Hindustan Power, under Puri’s leadership, has built robust transmission infrastructure, collaborating with:

• State utilities
• Power Grid Corporation of India
• International engineering firms

They’ve deployed smart substations, underground cabling, and automated load balancing systems, setting benchmarks for private sector infrastructure.

2. Green Villages & Microgrids

Puri’s vision includes green energy access to rural India. Through microgrids, solar kits, and battery banks, his team has powered over 100+ villages across:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand

These projects bring not just electricity but enable:

• E-learning centers
• Solar-powered water pumps
• Women-run solar maintenance businesses

3. Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

In urban clusters, Hindustan Power is exploring:

• Solar rooftops for apartment blocks
• Grid-connected storage for hospitals
• EV-charging infrastructure in public spaces

This “smart + sustainable” urban energy approach helps reduce cities’ carbon footprints while making them resilient to blackouts.

Economic Impact: Creating Jobs and Supporting MSMEs

Ratul Puri believes infrastructure is not just about steel and concrete—it’s about creating livelihood ecosystems.

Key Achievements:

• 5,000+ direct jobs through plant operations
• 12,000+ indirect jobs via local vendors, logistics, and EPC partners
• Over 3,000 rural youth trained in solar and BESS technologies

Hindustan Power collaborates with MSMEs in:

• Panel manufacturing
• Inverter assembly
• Installation and O&M services

These partnerships not only boost local economies but also decentralize energy entrepreneurship.

Global Expansion: Taking India’s Energy Story Abroad

Under Puri’s leadership, Hindustan Power has executed high-profile international projects:

Countries Touched:

• Germany: EPC of solar rooftops
• Italy: Rural electrification and grid balancing
• Nepal & Bhutan: Hydro-transmission corridor development
• Africa: Microgrid deployment and technical consultancy

These international forays elevate India’s global energy credibility while opening doors to cross-border energy partnerships.

Sustainability and ESG as Core Business Pillars

Unlike many companies where ESG is an afterthought, Ratul Puri has embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance principles into the DNA of Hindustan Power.

Initiatives:

• Carbon footprint reduction through renewable offsetting
• Water conservation systems at all plants
• Local community hiring policies
• Solar-driven skill training centers for women

Puri’s approach reflects a deeper understanding: real infrastructure empowers people, not just economies.

Recognitions and Public Thought Leadership

Ratul Puri’s work has been widely recognized:

• Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum
• Infrastructure Leader of the Year, CNBC Awards
• Clean Energy Champion, ET EnergyWorld

He’s also a regular voice at:

• G20 Energy Transition Working Groups
• India Energy Week Panels
• World Economic Forum on Infrastructure 4.0

His thought leadership contributes to shaping policy frameworks that balance growth with sustainability.

Quotes That Reflect Ratul Puri’s Vision

“Power is more than electricity—it’s the ability to unlock human potential.”

“We’re not just laying down cables; we’re laying the foundation for a stronger India.”

“The India of tomorrow will be built by infrastructure that thinks, adapts, and sustains.”

Future Vision: Infrastructure for India @2047

As India heads toward its centennial of independence in 2047, Ratul Puri’s roadmap includes:

Key Targets:

• 1 GW of battery storage projects
• 10 million+ lives powered by decentralized energy
• Smart grid integration across 10 Indian cities
• Global collaboration on hydrogen and hybrid renewables

He envisions a tech-first, inclusive infrastructure framework that bridges:

• Urban-rural divide
• Energy access vs. sustainability
• National growth with local empowerment

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Business

Ratul Puri is building more than a business—he is building India’s future-ready infrastructure. His company, Hindustan Power, under his strategic and ethical leadership, is a living example of what modern Indian industrialists should aim to become: visionaries who act, builders who care, and entrepreneurs who empower.

He’s not just an industrialist. He’s a nation-builder, setting the tone for India’s infrastructure renaissance—one project, one village, and one innovation at a time.