Implement revised local sourcing norms for wind turbines immediately: Suzlon Group's Chalasani

The Hindu

2 days ago

As India plans to have 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, wind energy is expected to contribute a fifth of that target. Yet, with only 4% of its 1.1 TW (Tera Watt) wind potential tapped, the sector's true challenge lies not in potential, but in execution said J.P. Chalasani, CEO, Suzlon Group, one of India's largest renewable energy companies, in an interview.
He said policy reform, cybersecurity, and indigenous R&D were crucial for the success of the wind energy sector in the country.
'Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM) reforms are a start. Implementation can not wait,' he emphasised.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently revised its RLMM guidelines, mandating local sourcing of critical components like blades, gearboxes, generators, and towers.
RLMM guidelines must mandate this not just for new models, but for all existing listings as well, he stated.
The revised RLMM guidelines were also to strengthen cybersecurity norms.
'It is a strategic shift—but over a year late. The guidelines must now be implemented swiftly and without dilution,' he pointed out.
Stating that India's wind manufacturing ecosystem was more than ready, he said, 'We have over 20 GW turbine manufacturing capacity, but only 20% is utilised. Our blade capacity is 28 GW, including 11 GW from independent manufacturers. Generator capacity is 17 GW—yet underutilised.'
The new policy, if enforced, could restore local content levels to 75% by 2026 and 85% by 2028, he stated.
Emphasizing the danger of cyber threat to the wind turbines and the grid Mr Chalasani said, 'Wind turbines are not just machines—they are grid-connected, data-exchanging systems. A single breach can ripple into a national grid failure,' he warned. 'Cybersecurity is not compliance—its sovereignty,' he mentioned.
He urged mandatory certification of all digital and hardware components—especially those of foreign origin—by Indian agencies such as Central Electricity Authority, MeitY, and Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate. 'Embedded malware and hardware trojans are real risks. We need deep protocol-level checks,' he said.
MNRE's latest draft also mandates that all turbine operations, data centres, and control systems reside within India—a move which is 'non-negotiable for national security,' he said.
Recalling the contribution of late Tulsi Tanti, the founder and MD of Suzlon Energy, Mr Chalasani said, 'He was not just a founder, he was the spirit of Indian renewables. The turnaround we have achieved is our tribute to his vision,' he said. Mr Tanti suddenly passed away in October 2022 raising a question mark on Suzlon's future.
Under Mr. Chalasani's leadership, Suzlon has become debt-free and cash-rich, with ₹2,000 crore on its balance sheet. The company's latest 3.15 MW turbine model—engineered for Indian terrain and climate—has been a success. Today, Suzlon has an order book of 5.5 GW, over half of it from industrial and commercial consumers (C&I), and nearly 26% from public sector giants like NTPC and SJVN.
'India Inc. wants reliable green power. Being Indian-designed, Indian-operated, with 25-year service support—that is our edge,' he said.
Unlike solar, which he called a 'commodity technology,' Mr. Chalasani, an energy sector veteran said, wind turbines are engineering-intensive and site-specific. 'You can not just import a design meant for Europe and tweak it for Rajasthan,' he said
Locally designed and tested turbines reduce downtime, minimise grid disruptions, and enhance long-term operational efficiency, he pointed out.
On the government's policy support, he said for too long, Indian OEMs had competed on an uneven field against foreign players importing partially built turbines. 'These new guidelines give us, finally, a level playing field,' he emphasized.