In a direct response to reports of a technology-sharing breakdown with a Chinese partner Reliance Industries (RIL) officially reaffirmed on January 12, 2026 that its plans to build a world-class battery manufacturing ecosystem remain fully on track.
The company clarified that its Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex in Jamnagar is progressing toward its target of beginning production in 2026.
The Technology “Roadblock” Explained
Reports surfaced that Reliance had “paused” lithium-ion cell manufacturing after its proposed partnership with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology stalled.
- The Cause: Beijing’s late-2025 move to tighten export licenses for advanced battery technology. This effectively blocked the transfer of the specific Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology RIL was seeking.
- The Tactical Pivot: While Reliance firmly denies a “pause,” industry analysts suggest the company is tactically accelerating its BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) and battery pack assembly while it secures an independent technology stack or evaluates more expensive non-Chinese alternatives from Japan or Europe.
Reliance’s 2026 Battery Roadmap
Despite the geopolitical hurdles, the conglomerate is maintaining its ambitious scale for the Jamnagar giga-factory.
| Milestone | Target Detail | Status (as of Jan 2026) |
| Initial Production Start | 2026 | On Schedule |
| Initial Capacity | 40 GWh per year | Construction of 30 GWh facility underway |
| Ultimate Capacity | 100 GWh per year | Modular expansion planned by 2030 |
| Primary Focus | Cell-to-Containerized ESS | Integrated LFP and Sodium-Ion tech |
Beyond Lithium-Ion: Sodium-Ion & Integrated IP
To mitigate the risks associated with the lithium supply chain and Chinese tech dominance, Reliance is leveraging its global acquisitions:
- Faradion (UK): Accelerating the development of Sodium-ion batteries, which are ideal for stationary grid storage and 2-wheelers due to the abundance of sodium.
- Lithium Werks (USA): Utilizing over 400 patents in LFP technology to build its own proprietary cell chemistry, potentially bypassing the need for a Chinese licensing deal altogether.
“BESS manufacturing, battery pack manufacturing and cell manufacturing have always been part of our energy storage plans and we are progressing well in their execution.” — Reliance Industries Spokesperson
