Wind turbine manufacturer Kenersys has been in the news over the past few days about its promoters Kalyani Group and First Reserve Corporation planning to sell stakes to raise USD 300 million. While there has been no confirmation from the company, Huned Contractor speaks to Mr Kailash Tarachandani, CEO, Kenersys India, to get an update on its plans for the future.

Kenersys is a specialist for onshore multi-megawatt turbines especially developed for low and medium wind speed sites, a market segment that will drive the future growth in the relevant wind markets all over the world. The Kenersys headquarters and global technology centre are based in Germany. The company has two full-scale production facilities in Wismar (Germany) and Baramati (India). Excerpts from the interview:

What is the production capacity of turbines at the Baramati plant?
The Baramati plant is set up over an area of 35 acres and a built-up area of 5,600 sq.m. This would entail production of hundreds of the Kenersys wind turbines and space enough for aggressive expansion plans. In combination with the German production plant at Wismar, Kenersys has a global production capacity of about 1,000 MW. At the Baramati facility, Kenersys can manufacture about 400 MW on a two-shift basis and 600 MW on a three-shift basis with a provision to ramp up further to meet the market demand.

How many different kinds of turbines are produced by the company in India?
At present, in India we are manufacturing and marketing K82 2.0 MW wind turbine generators (WTG) and are planning to manufacture also the upcoming types of even larger turbines of the Kenersys multi-megawatt turbines portfolio. The K82 2.0 MW wind turbine generator is a variable speed, pitch-regulated machine with Synerdrive Technology - a n advanced distributed drive train and the unique electrical concept that is based on a full conversion system within an electrically excited synchronous generator.

How many such turbines have been installed across the country?
As of today, 76 MW (38 units) K82 2.0 MW are in operation in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and another 10 MW is in installation in the state of Gujarat and Maharashtra in the financial year 2012. Kenersys also plans to commission around 150 MW soon.

How large is the turbine market in India and what is the growth potential?
Typically the investments so far in the wind projects were made by private entities, classified as traditional customers who had an appetite for accelerated depreciation and /or huge captive power requirements. The appetite for the wind business is huge, as many domestic and overseas independent power producers (IPPs) have started showing their commitment towards venturing into wind projects in India in a big way. Many IPPs have requirements to the tune of 400-500 MW in the next two to three years. The wind energy industry in India is maturing and has the capability to offer modern multi-megawatt turbines that help to cover India's rising energy demand.

In general, wind power is growing at an annual rate of 20 per cent per year with countries like China, Brazil, India, Germany and the United States having the maximum number of wind farms. The wind energy market in India is growing at a rate of approximately 3,000 to 3,500 MW every year. Kenersys with its spearheading technology - that was developed by its Global Technology Centre in Germany - shows a lot of promise in delivering what it has committed to its privileged customers like Tata Power, Panchshil Group, CWET, etc. Renewable energy resources play a significant role in contributing to the overall energy safety of the country while providing superior environmental and economic benefits.

Is there a government policy in place to support wind energy?
As such there is no one single policy for the energy and wind sector. Different states have different policies pertaining to wind energy and the sector highly depends on the governmental policies. Also, various states have different tariff rates, which hold lot of challenges in marketing the WTGs. But the policies of the respective states are favourable and there are specific guidelines for supporting wind energy projects.

What are the company's expansion plans?
At this moment we feel we have adequate capacity (400+ MW) and therefore no expansion is required. However, we will mainly invest and expand in terms of site development in different states. We are looking at approaching new states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, etc.

Is there any specific R&D being done for the use of turbines in India?
Yes, the K110 2.4 MW wind turbine is specifically designed for the low and the medium wind speeds that are prevalent in its two home markets, i.e., India and Germany.

With electricity tariffs being increased in many states, do you think wind power may provide the right solution?
It is difficult to substitute the other forms of energy by wind power but it can supplement the ever increasing demand for energy and help in reducing the greenhouse gases and combat global warming.

Will the use of wind power be restricted only to government agencies and large industrial houses? Can it also be used for residential complexes?
The investment required for large capacity wind turbines is presently from governmental agencies and large industry houses. For residential complexes, smaller capacity WTGs are available which would serve the purpose of battery charging, etc. A separate policy framework would be required for the installation of large WTGs for residential complexes.

How far does India lag behind in the use of wind energy as compared to other countries such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany and China?
India is presently in the fifth position worldwide considering the usage of wind energy. With proper policy framework and support from the Government of India and various state nodal agencies and utilities, India could reach a top three position considering that the wind energy potential has been estimated at 80,000 MW as against an installed capacity of 16,000 MW.

Does the company have plans to extend its marketing reach to neighbouring countries?
Kenersys plans to extend its marketing reach. As Kenersys India we are looking at the Asia Pacific, South Asia and Middle East countries for extending the marketing, while our sister company Kenersys Europe is expanding within the European countries and the US.