India to benefit from cost-efficiency in windmill sector
The total capacity of windmill installations increased to 73,904 MW in 2006 from 59,004 MW in 2005 registering a growth of 25%. India, being one of the largest manufacturing bases for windmill components, stands to benefit due to the cost efficiency.
According to The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), windmill installations across the globe is likely to go up to 90,000 MW by the year-end. "Windmill installations are increasing rapidly the world over. We anticipate the total installations to reach 1.6-lakh MW by 2010 end," said WWEA president Anil Kane.
He further added that the size of world wind energy market is about $25 billion annually and India being the base of blades, generators, gearbox, tower, control systems and nacelle bed makers has a lot to gain.
The installed capacity in India alone increased by 32% during last fiscal from 5,341 mw in March 31, 2006 to 7,082 mw as on 31, 2007. According to the association, India has potential to generate wind energy in excess of 1-lakh mw. According to industry sources, India is going to play an important role in adding windmill installations globally. Lately, the windmill manufacturing arena has also been witnessing a lot of action.
According to Sulzon Spokesman,presently about 60% of our revenues are generated from exports. In future India is likely to contribute only around 25% in Sulzon's total turnover. The US, Europe, China and India would contribute equally in total revenues.
Among others, Harakosan of Japan recently picked up 6% equity in the city-based Jyoti. Harakosan would source wind turbines and certain other components from Jyoti for its international business to avail the technical expertise at cheaper costs. It was learnt that among other international players, Magenn Power of Canada is also toying with an idea to set up its base in India to market its wind energy solutions and source components. Similarly, new entrant Elecon Engineering is eying a major chunk of revenues to come from exports of wind turbines..According to Elecon MD Prayasvin Patel the company is keen to capitalize on the global opportunity in the rapidly growing wind energy sector through exports of critical components of windmills. Early this year, Elecon announced capacity expansion by investing around Rs.400 crore for manufacturing windmill gearboxes, setting up wind farms and facility for fabrication.
« Back
|