Adani's Renewable Unit secures $394 mn amidst Expansion Reevaluation

Adani Enterprises, an Indian conglomerate, announced that its new renewable energy-focused unit has secured a working capital loan of $394 million from Barclays and Deutsche Bank AG. The loan will support the establishment of an integrated solar module manufacturing facility by Adani New Industries (ANIL), which is also engaged in developing green hydrogen businesses, including solar modules and wind turbine manufacturing.This financing facility comes at a crucial time when the Adani group is reevaluating its expansion plans, which had been put on hold following a negative report from US-based Hindenburg Research earlier this year. Hindenburg Research had taken a short position in the conglomerate and released a report in January alleging improper use of tax havens and expressing concerns about the group's debt levels. This report significantly impacted investor confidence and resulted in a market value loss of nearly $147 billion for Adani companies.Since then, the group's shares have partially recovered, but they still reflect a decline of approximately $100 billion in value compared to before the Hindenburg report. Adani Group vehemently denied the allegations and, in May, a panel appointed by the Supreme Court found no lapses in their operations.Despite the challenges, there are positive signs indicating improving investor sentiment. Australian-listed investment firm GQG Partners and other investors have increased their stakes in Adani Group companies. Additionally, Adani Chairman Gautam Adani expressed confidence in the group's governance and disclosure standards, instilling further reassurance in the company's outlook.