In an era where clean energy is redefining India’s industrial and mobility landscape, CLN Energy Limited stands as a catalyst for meaningful change. Founded in 2019, the company has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in the lithium-ion battery and energy storage segment—powering not just electric mobility but also critical infrastructure and sustainable homes. With its deep commitment to innovation, scalability, and sustainability, CLN Energy is bridging the gap between aspiration and action in India’s clean energy transition.
Recently, Shweta, Sub-Editor of The Battery Magazine, had the privilege to speak with Sunil Gandhi, Whole-Time Director & CEO of CLN Energy Limited, who shared his insights on the company’s mission, innovation-led growth, manufacturing expansion, and its landmark SME IPO. Their conversation sheds light on how CLN Energy is shaping the next decade of India’s clean-tech journey.
Let’s delve into the interview to know more.
Since its founding in 2019, CLN Energy has been focused on sustainable EV and energy storage solutions. How would you describe the company’s overarching mission and what role do you envision CLN playing in India’s clean energy transition over the next 5–10 years?
Since our founding in 2019, CLN Energy has been rooted in the belief that clean energy is not just a technology shift, but a social responsibility. Our overarching mission is to build solutions that accelerate India’s transition towards sustainable mobility and reliable energy storage. Over the next 5–10 years, we see CLN as a key enabler in three areas—mass EV adoption through affordable lithium batteries, integration of renewables with advanced storage systems for grid stability, and replacing legacy lead-acid technologies with future-ready lithium-ion packs. India’s clean energy transition is at an inflection point, and our role is to ensure that the shift is not only technologically viable, but also scalable, inclusive, and dependable.
CLN Energy recently launched its SME IPO in January 2025. Can you share what motivated the decision to go public, how the IPO proceeds are being deployed, and how you see this move strengthening CLN’s financial muscle and market credibility?
Our decision to go public through the SME IPO was both strategic and symbolic. Strategically, it enables us to strengthen our balance sheet, fund capacity expansion, and accelerate R&D investments. Symbolically, it represents CLN’s evolution from a high-growth startup into an institution committed to transparency, governance, and long-term value creation. The IPO proceeds are being deployed to expand our manufacturing capacity, enhance our R&D infrastructure, and build stronger service and distribution networks across India and abroad. Going public has already enhanced our market credibility, reassured partners of our stability, and given us the financial muscle to chase larger opportunities. For us, the IPO is not a destination—it’s a launchpad for the next phase of CLN Energy’s journey.
CLN Energy recently achieved a major milestone by completing phase one of the BSNL project and securing a ₹100 crore telecom PSU order. What key differentiators helped the company stand out in these mission-critical telecom deployments, and how are you ensuring quality and timely execution across such large-scale projects?
Telecom is a mission-critical sector where downtime simply isn’t an option. Our success with BSNL and other telecom projects stems from three differentiators: advanced lithium-ion technology offering longer cycles and faster charging, our intelligent BMS that enables remote monitoring across thousands of sites, and our ability to customize solutions for diverse terrains and climates. Equally important is execution—we’ve invested in robust project management, stringent quality checks, and service readiness to ensure timely rollouts. Winning the ₹100 crore telecom PSU order and completing phase one of the BSNL project validates our reliability and scalability. We aim to replicate this success across upcoming phases while setting new benchmarks for quality and delivery in telecom energy solutions.
R&D seems central to CLN’s innovation. Could you share insights into your R&D infrastructure and how you approach prototyping and custom solutions—especially for high-performance categories like L3 battery packs?
R&D is the beating heart of CLN Energy. Our advanced facilities in Noida and Pune feature state-of-the-art testing labs, prototyping stations, and thermal management simulation setups. What truly sets us apart is our customer-centric innovation model—co-creating solutions with OEMs, telecom operators, and industrial clients to rapidly prototype and validate products. In high-performance categories like L3 battery packs, we focus on safety architecture, redundancy mechanisms, and modular scalability. Our recent breakthrough in developing liquid-cooled battery systems for heavy-duty trucks and underground mining tipper trucks highlights our engineering strength in demanding environments. This blend of speed and rigor ensures that CLN consistently delivers next-generation solutions with uncompromising reliability, performance, and safety.
Your range spans from microscale (2 kWh) packs to 500 kWh systems, plus motors, BMS, and controllers. Which product lines are seeing the highest demand, and where do you anticipate further technological innovations?
At present, demand is strongest in two segments—e-mobility batteries for E-rickshaws and two-wheelers, and stationary storage for telecom and C&I applications. Meanwhile, our lithium-ion inverter replacements are gaining significant traction in the residential segment. Going forward, the focus will be on higher-density chemistries, AI-integrated BMS for predictive performance, and hybrid solutions that merge mobility and stationary use cases. We foresee a convergence of energy storage with smart software as the next wave of innovation, where CLN will continue to invest and lead.
With export and large domestic orders underway, how are your manufacturing facilities in Noida and Pune being scaled? What strategies are you employing to manage supply chain robustness and meet rising production targets?
Our facilities in Noida and Pune are being scaled using automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 practices to ensure precision and volume efficiency. We are investing in digital twins and AI-driven process monitoring to optimize yields and quality. On the supply chain front, diversification is key—we are building a resilient vendor ecosystem, promoting local sourcing, and maintaining buffer stocks of critical components to mitigate disruptions. Strategic partnerships with global suppliers and backward integration initiatives further enhance our ability to meet growing demand without compromising on quality or timelines.
You’re pioneering lithium-ion replacements for lead-acid home inverter batteries and launching all-in-one inverter-battery systems compatible with solar. How are these products being received, and what’s next for your work in residential and ESS markets?
The reception for our lithium-ion inverter replacements has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers immediately recognize the advantages—zero maintenance, triple the lifespan, faster charging, and seamless solar compatibility. Our all-in-one inverter-battery systems have gained particular traction in semi-urban and rural areas where power reliability remains a concern. This is only the beginning. Our next focus is to expand residential ESS solutions that not only provide backup but also optimize solar usage and energy costs, making energy independence a household reality.
Beyond revenue and contracts, how does CLN measure its impact on environmental sustainability, customer outcomes, and long-term growth? What are the next frontier segments or innovations you’re excited about?
We measure success by the impact we create. Every CLN battery deployed represents avoided CO₂ emissions, improved uptime for our customers, and long-term cost savings over conventional alternatives. Our key metrics include lifecycle emissions, product recyclability, and efficiency improvements. Looking ahead, we’re excited about three frontiers—grid-scale storage for renewable integration, second-life battery applications that extend product utility, and AI-driven energy platforms that optimize consumption patterns. This is where sustainability meets technology—and where CLN Energy will continue to drive meaningful impact.
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