In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu government is set to offer Foxconn, the world’s largest contract manufacturer, an incentive package that includes 200 acres of land for its proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) unit.
This facility, if approved, would mark Foxconn’s second global venture in battery energy storage, expanding its footprint beyond smartphones into the burgeoning energy sector.
Foxconn, which already has a strong manufacturing presence in India, is looking to diversify its portfolio as part of its “3+3 strategy,” targeting electric vehicles (EVs), digital health, and robotics.
During his visit to India in August, Chairman Young Liu emphasised Foxconn’s interest in moving up the value chain, focusing on sectors like energy storage to support its broader EV ambitions. The proposed BESS unit in Tamil Nadu aligns with this vision, aiming to enable storage of renewable energy from solar and wind sources.
The state government has identified a site near Manalur in Tiruvallur district, about 50 km from Chennai, for the project. Talks are reportedly in the final stages, and sources suggest that Foxconn is likely to greenlight the initiative. The incentives and infrastructure support provided by Tamil Nadu are expected to play a pivotal role in securing the deal.
Foxconn’s first battery plant, located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is geared towards supporting electric vehicles. The company is also making strides in Indonesia, where it has signed an MoU to develop a solid-state battery ecosystem for electric two-wheelers. These efforts highlight Foxconn’s commitment to becoming a leader in battery storage and EV technologies, a market segment with immense growth potential.
At an investor conference earlier this month, Young Liu shared updates on the Kaohsiung facility, noting that while manufacturing is nearly complete, mass production has been delayed until early next year due to typhoon disruptions. This timeline underscores the urgency of setting up additional facilities to meet the increasing demand for energy storage solutions.
The potential establishment of Foxconn’s BESS unit in Tamil Nadu could be a game-changer for the state’s renewable energy ambitions. By hosting such a facility, Tamil Nadu positions itself as a hub for advanced energy storage technologies, which are critical for managing renewable energy sources efficiently.
As part of its strategic push into green industries, Tamil Nadu’s collaboration with Foxconn also underscores the state’s commitment to attracting global investments in high-growth sectors. If the project moves forward, it could cement Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a preferred destination for cutting-edge technology ventures in India.
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