Suzlon opens rotor blade manufacturing unit at MP for wind energy sector

Renewable energy solutions provider Suzlon Group has opened an aerodynamic technology rotor blade manufacturing facility at Badnawar in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh (MP). The facility, which was inaugurated by MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan yesterday, has an annual production capacity of 400 MW and will manufacture rotor blades for its latest S111 2.1 MW turbine. 

The latest in its 2.1 MW fleet, the S111 has a blade length of 54.8 meters, making it one of the largest rotor diameter WTGs (wind turbine generator system) in India. Especially designed to enhance wind generation at low wind sites, the S111 reduces the cost of energy, increases return on investment for customers and makes low wind sites viable. 

“We need to focus on encouraging wind and solar energy to fight against the risks of climate change which is the biggest threat to mankind and MP is moving fast in harnessing clean energy from wind and solar. I congratulate Suzlon for truly contributing to make in India and exporting wind turbines to other countries,” said Shivraj Singh Chouhan, MP Chief Minister.

The facility at Badnawar is Suzlon’s 14th manufacturing facility in India and has been brought into operation in less than one year. The existing blade manufacturing units of Suzlon are located in Bhuj (Gujarat), Dhule (Maharashtra), Padubidri (Karnataka), Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu), Daman, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) and Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh). With this rotor blade unit in Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh), Suzlon has increased its global manufacturing footprint to 15 facilities, spread across India and China (through JV). 

“The Indian renewable energy sector is witnessing positive winds of change. India is a key focus for Suzlon. Our vision is aligned to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and target of 250 GW renewable energy by 2030. Our new blade manufacturing facility is a testament of our commitment to make India the renewable energy technology hub of the world. India has the potential and capability to lead the global transition to renewable energy sources and Suzlon is committed to harness this potential,” commented Tulsi Tanti, chairman, Suzlon Group.

The new facility is the first one of Suzlon to employ 20 local female engineers in manufacturing who have been provided with 9 months of training at the Suzlon Quality Academy. “Our decision to providing training and employment to 20 women engineers from MP is in line with the Beti Bachao Abhiyan of the Madhya Pradesh Government. We hope that this move will further their efforts in empowering women,” said Tanti.

The Suzlon Group has been present in Madhya Pradesh since 2004, with major wind parks at Dewas, Ratlam and Mahuria. Over the past 12 years, Suzlon has held about 30 percent of the renewable energy market share of the state. Its blade manufacturing facility in Badnawar is also aligned to the group’s commitment to increase renewable energy projects in the state.