SoftBank, Bharti and Foxconn to Form Joint Venture for Renewable Energy in India

Japan headquartered telecommunications and Internet major SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”), leading Indian business conglomerate Bharti Enterprises Limited (“Bharti”) and Taiwan-based top design and manufacturing services provider Foxconn Technology Group (“Foxconn”), came together with plans to form a joint venture, SBG Cleantech Limited (“SBG Cleantech”) to promote the adoption of clean and safe energy in India. Subject to certain conditions, all three companies will jointly invest in the venture.

SBG Cleantech will be a harbinger of solar and wind energy. Following the Indian Prime Minister's 100GW solar and 60GW wind target by 2022, the venture will invest in and develop renewable energy plants across India. SBG Cleantech is committed to contributing to the Government of India's mission of 24x7 power for all and the renewable energy target by 2022. The company intends to participate in the 2015-16 round of solar power plant tenders ‎under the National Solar Mission (NSM) program and state-specific solar programs.

Given its vast population, high irradiation, growing energy demand and power deficit, limited access to fossil fuels and a large number of unlit villages, India has great potential to be a major solar market.

India has achieved a base of 3.7 GW of solar power, evolved its policies and created a solar ecosystem of installers, manufacturers, developers, financiers and researchers. For a country of India's size and promise, this can only be a first step.

Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank, said, “Our eyes are trained on India, given the vast potential that the country offers. We have already made considerable investments in the technology sector here. With this partnership, our goal is to create a market-leading ‎clean energy company, to fuel India's growth with clean and renewable sources of energy. We have joined hands with Bharti Enterprises and Foxconn, two leaders in their respective markets for this venture that will propel India into the future.”

Added Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, “At Bharti, we believe in projects that have a transformational impact on society. In line with this vision, we are participating in a renewable energy venture with SoftBank and Foxconn which has the potential to transform the Indian economy. This project will immensely contribute to the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of meeting the country's energy demands through clean sources. Just as mobile phones have connected every Indian, renewable power has the potential to provide every Indian with access to electricity, SBG Cleantech underlines our commitment to India's growth plans not only by eliminating energy deficit but also providing clean environment to the future generations of India.”

Terry Gou, Founder and CEO, Foxconn Technology Group, said, “As a leading global technology company, Foxconn is committed to fulfilling our social and environmental responsibilities (SER) and investing in areas that link technology with sustainable growth in a way that also protects the environment. Harnessing renewable energy is a key pillar in our SER strategy and we are excited to join our industry partners, SoftBank and Bharti, in championing clean energy solutions in India through SBG Cleantech, and supporting the country's efforts to grow its renewable energy industry.”

SBG Cleantech will have Manoj Kohli, a Bharti veteran, who until recently led Bharti's emerging businesses, as executive chairman and Raman Nanda, as the CEO. The company will be headquartered in Delhi.

Solar in India is likely to grow by 250% in 2015. Globally, renewable energy outpaced the growth of fossil fuels in 2015 and a record 107 GW was added through wind, solar, geothermal and other natural sources.

SoftBank Corp. through its subsidiaries and associates, offers a comprehensive range of advanced mobile communications, fixed-line communications and Internet services around the world. With Sprint joining in July 2013, the SoftBank Group became a leading global carrier that now has over 100 million subscribers. Maximizing synergies across its Group companies worldwide, SoftBank aspires to realize lifestyle innovation through IT. SoftBank is also encouraging the adoption of clean and safe energy through its business activities. To learn more, please visit http://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/

Bharti Enterprises is one of India's leading business groups with interests in telecom, agri business, financial services, retail and manufacturing. Bharti has been a pioneering force in the telecom sector with many firsts and innovations to its credit. Bharti Airtel, a group company, is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa.

Established in 1974, Foxconn Technology Group (“Foxconn”), under the leadership of Founder and CEO Terry Gou, offers the most competitive production manufacturing technology in the world. A recognized global industry leader, Foxconn created the 3C OEM service business model, eCMMS, incorporating vertical integration of mechanical, optical and electronic components. Foxconn offers many of the world's leading companies a one-stop integrated manufacturing solution. Foxconn has in recent years expanded into technology services, providing customers the most comprehensive solutions for their technology and manufacturing needs. In addition to maximizing value creation for customers, Foxconn is also dedicated to enhancing the concept of environmental protection in the manufacturing process. In addition to being a trusted partner for its customers, Foxconn is working to be a best-practices model for global enterprises.