Latest news with #SASEC
Business Standard
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Kimbal Hosts SASEC Delegation, Showcases India's Smart Metering Leadership
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], July 31: As the world's fourth-largest economy, having recently surpassed Japan, India is rapidly strengthening the backbone of its infrastructure to fuel its soaring economic growth. At the heart of this transformation lies the push for reliable, clean, and intelligent energy. Smart metering has emerged as a foundational enabler in modernizing the country's power distribution landscape. With the Government of India targeting 250+ million smart meter installations under RDSS and encouraging discom digitalization, the energy transition is no longer just about generation; it's about intelligent, responsive grids at the last mile. Kimbal Private Limited recognized this shift early. In 2011, it set out to solve one of the most complex challenges of the energy value chain: distribution-side modernization. Over the past decade, the company has built its leadership in smart metering by delivering integrated, scalable solutions tailored to India's diverse utility needs. Today, it stands as a trusted partner to leading discoms in India's north, northeast, east, west, and central regions, while scaling up further to cater to massive opportunities soon to emerge in the leading utilities of Southern India. As part of its continued commitment to regional collaboration, Kimbal hosted a high-level delegation from the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program last week. The delegation, accompanied by representatives from India's Ministry of Power, the Asian Development Bank, and the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association, toured Kimbal's Mega Manufacturing Plant -- a 250,000 sq. ft., automation-enabled facility capable of producing 12 million meters annually. "Kimbal's journey is deeply aligned with India's energy goals. We are proud to have contributed to how power distribution is evolving in our country," said Gurpreet Oberoi, Kimbal's Chief Business Officer. "And we're excited to partner with our South Asian neighbors as they progress on similar journeys." Kimbal's product portfolio reflects its system-level approach to grid modernization. From next-generation smart meters (single phase, three phase, LTCT, HTCT) to its RF Mesh Communication Infrastructure (Vayu), Network Interface Cards, and Enterprise Head-End System (Vaani), the company offers end-to-end Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solutions. Their AI-powered solution, Samaksha, has been game-changing for many Indian utilities struggling with billing collection from static meter users--a successful tool that SASEC nations may like to adopt. Upcoming innovations include Energy Management Solution, a tool for commercial and industrial users to optimize power procurement by matching demand with the lowest-cost supply in real-time, along with low-cost RTU and Energy Monitoring Tool. NILM is another of their upcoming offerings: it is an energy tracker that breaks down household consumption by appliance, making power usage easy to understand and budget. These technologically advanced solutions showcase Kimbal's strong focus on analytics and energy automation. This innovation-led roadmap has translated into strong growth. In FY25, Kimbal's revenue grew nearly 4X -- a testament to the company's ability to scale with purpose and precision. India is now preparing for the next wave of grid intelligence under AMI 2.0, which aims to go beyond billing and empower utilities with real-time data, predictive analytics, and advanced grid control. Kimbal has consistently been ahead of the curve -- not only anticipating these shifts but building for them. With a legacy of spotting opportunity early, the company is expanding from smart meters, Enterprise HES to in-house developed RF-mesh communication technology, and a future-ready portfolio of energy tech solutions.
Zawya
04-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OPEC Fund approves over US$600 million in new financing to strengthen connectivity, human capital and economic resilience
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) ( has approved over US$600 million in new development financing to support sustainable infrastructure, private sector development, food security and human capital in partner countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The new projects were approved during the institution's 191st Governing Board meeting in Vienna today and during the first quarter of 2025. The new commitments reflect the OPEC Fund's efforts to promote inclusive and resilient growth in line with its strategic priorities. OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: 'These engagements are a significant demonstration of our commitment to building resilience and enabling inclusive development. From transport corridors to vocational training and financing small businesses the OPEC Fund is supporting practical solutions that align with our partners' priorities and deliver tangible results. We remain focused on driving sustainable development across regions and sectors.' The latest approved projects include: Public Sector Operations Costa Rica: A €180 million loan will co-finance the 'Expansion and Improvement of the San Jose – San Ramon Road Corridor Project' with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). The project will improve traffic flow and road safety along Route 1 of the Inter-American Highway, supporting trade, connectivity and inclusive economic growth. Nepal: A US$100 million loan will co-finance the 'South-Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Electricity Transmission and Distribution Strengthening Project' with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electricity supply in Nepal and promote cross-border power trade in the region. Rwanda: A US$27.95 million loan will co-finance the 'Center of Excellence in Aviation Skills Project' with the African Development Bank (AfDB). The initiative will raise Rwanda's national aviation training capacity to international standards, contribute to human capital development and support the country's ambition to become a regional aviation hub. Senegal: A €25 million loan will help finance the 'Water Valorization for Value Chains Development Project- Phase 2 (PROVALE – CV2)' together with AfDB and other partners to promote the sustainable increase of agricultural production, jobs and incomes. The project is also helping to combat the impact of climate change on agricultural and livestock production. It will directly benefit 57,000 households. Tanzania: A US$75 million loan - as the first tranche of a US$150 million facility - will support the 'Regional Standard Gauge Railway Project (Uvinza–Malagarasi Section)', co-financed with AfDB and other partners. The project will enhance regional connectivity and stimulate trade between Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Private Sector Operations: Côte d'Ivoire: A €30 million loan will expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping to strengthen entrepreneurship, promote job creation and stimulate economic growth. Democratic Republic of the Congo: A US$20 million loan, as part of a larger financing package with development partners, will support on-lending to critical sectors of the economy. Nicaragua: A US$20 million loan will promote financial inclusion by facilitating access to credit for businesses in agriculture sector. Regional (Africa): A US$40 million participation in a US$240 million trade finance facility will finance the import and export of agricultural commodities across multiple African countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of OPEC Fund. Contact: The OPEC Fund for International Development P.O. Box 995 1011 Vienna, Austria Telephone: +43-1-515 64-0 Fax: +43-1-513 92 38 Webiste: About the OPEC Fund: The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.
