10 Jul, 2025

Pace Digitek’s Strategic Shift: From Telecom Infra to BESS manufacturing

10 Jul, 2025,
863

Once known primarily as a reliable infrastructure provider for India’s telecom sector, Pace Digitek is undergoing a massive transformation. From laying OFC cables and setting up telecom towers across regions, the company is now gearing up for the next big leapBattery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) manufacturing.

At the heart of this transformation lies its key subsidiary, Lineage Powertech Pvt Ltd, and a new 5 GWh capacity manufacturing facility in Bidadi, Bengaluru.


A) The Beginning: A Telecom Backbone Builder

Pace Digitek’s legacy lies in building the invisible backbone of India’s digital economy. From installation of telecom towers, fiber optic cable networks, to managed services, the company has been a silent enabler of India’s 4G and now 5G rollout.

But as the telecom infrastructure sector matures and growth slows, the company took a bold call—diversify into green energy.


B) The Turning Point: Acquisition of Lineage Powertech

Recognizing the opportunities in clean energy and power storage, Pace Digitek acquired Lineage Powertech, a technology firm with focus on energy systems. This acquisition paved the way for entering the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) segment—a high-growth sector expected to expand at 25–30% CAGR globally.


C) 5 GWh BESS Manufacturing Facility – A Game Changer

In April 2025, Lineage commissioned its 5 GWh BESS manufacturing plant in Bidadi, Karnataka.

This facility is designed to produce:

Component Type In-house / Outsourced
Battery Packs LFP and NMC chemistries ✅ In-house
Battery Management Systems Monitoring, protection, communication ✅ Integration In-house; sourcing chips
Containerized BESS Units 50kWh to 1MWh scalable systems ✅ In-house design
Thermal Management Systems Cooling, ventilation ✅ Integrated with external parts
Battery Cells Lithium-ion based ❌ Sourced from China/Korea/India
Software / EMS Energy management software ✅ Partially in-house; partially licensed
Testing & Certification Safety, thermal, endurance ✅ In-house + external NABL labs

The goal is to own the entire value chain from pack assembly to system integration, while gradually reducing dependence on foreign cells and control software.


D) How BESS Can Transform Pace Digitek

  • Higher Margin Business: BESS projects command better pricing and margins.

  • New Market Verticals: Energy, EV infra, commercial & industrial clients, data centers, DISCOMs.

  • Tender Participation: Rising interest in grid-scale BESS tenders (SECI, NTPC, etc.).

  • Brand Transition: From infra service vendor to a cleantech OEM.

  • Cross-Sell Potential: Telecom clients like Jio, Airtel, BSNL may become BESS clients.

    What is BESS and Why It Matters?

    Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are industrial-grade batteries that store energy and discharge when needed—essential for modern renewable-powered grids.

    🌍 Key Applications:

    • Renewable energy storage

    • Grid balancing

    • Mission-critical backup

    • EV charging infra

    • Industrial energy efficiency


E) Business Model & Revenue Streams of Pace Digitek

1. Business Model: Integrated Infrastructure Solutions

Pace Digitek operates as a full-service provider in telecom and energy infrastructure, offering:

Core Services:

  • Power Management Systems: For telecom towers.

  • Optic Fiber Laying: High-speed fiber networks.

  • Renewable Energy Solutions: Green energy project implementation.

Market Segments Served:

  • Telecom Operators

  • Government Electrification Projects

  • Private Infra Developers

2. Revenue Model: Diversified Income Streams

Revenue Source Description
Product Sales Power & renewable energy products
Project Implementation OFC & infra-based project income
O&M Services Recurring income from long-term maintenance contracts

F) Financial Summary Snapshot Of Pace Digitek (2022–2024)

Metric 2023 2024 6M FY25
Revenue (₹ Cr) 503.19 2434.4 1188.3
PAT (₹ Cr) 16.15 229 152
EBITDA (₹ Cr) 39.7 423 300
Net Profit Margin (%) 3.29% 9.44% 12.79%
Cash from Operations (₹ Cr) -43.7 213.9 -530.8
Closing Cash (₹ Cr) -51.3 8.54 132.7

G) Unlisted Market Price Movement

Price Journey Summary:

  • Jan 2025: Price stable around ₹240–₹245.

  • Feb 2025: Major spike to ₹300+ following news of the BESS facility announcement.

  • Late Feb – Early Mar: Sharp correction to ₹240 due to profit booking.

  • March 2025: Sudden drop to ₹210—possibly triggered by muted financials for FY24.

  • April 2025: Short rally to ₹250+, followed by gradual decline.

  • May to June 2025: Rangebound between ₹210–₹215, showing low investor activity.

  • July 9, 2025: Current Price: ₹205 — down 15.17% in a single session.

Key Observations:

  • The stock shows high volatility, often reacting to company announcements.

  • Sustained value will depend on execution of BESS strategy and market sentiment in the unlisted space.


H) Valuation & Peer Comparison Snapshot

Companies Revenue (in ₹ Cr) EBITDA Margins PAT Margins ROCE D/E Ratio MCap (in ₹ Cr) P/E
Pace Digitek Limited(6M FY25) 1188.3 25.25% 12.79% 18.72% 0.49 3658 15.08
HFCL Limited(FY 25) 4065 11.00% 4.26% 7.67% 0.33 11,902 98.67
Exicom Tele-Systems Limited(FY25) 868 -4% -12.70% -5.94% 1.15 2567 In loss
Bondada Engineering Limited(FY25) 1571 11% 7.34% 40.40% 0.41 4731 42.3

I) Risk Factors & Mitigation Strategies

Risk Factor Impact Area Mitigation Need
Customer Concentration (83–99%) Revenue collapse if 1–2 key clients exit Diversify client base; strengthen contract terms
Govt. Tender Dependence (95%) Margin pressure; policy risk Improve cost efficiency; explore private sector opportunities
Telecom Sector Over-reliance (94%) Vulnerable to telecom capex cycles Expand energy/ICT verticals; reduce sector dependence
Geographic Concentration (70%) Regional risks (political/natural) Expand geographically; decentralize operations
Vendor Dependency (62%) Supply chain disruption Multi-sourcing strategy; vendor redundancy

J) UnlistedZone View: Strong Execution = Multi-Year Growth

This is a make-or-break moment for Pace Digitek. With growing demand, a live facility, and integrated manufacturing capabilities, the company is well-positioned to become a pioneer in India’s energy storage market.


🔍 Conclusion

From a telecom infra contractor to a cleantech manufacturing challenger, Pace Digitek Infra's journey is bold and calculated. With strong financials, a future-focused roadmap, and a high-potential BESS strategy, the company is one to watch in India’s evolving infrastructure landscape.


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