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Suzlon Strengthens India’s Green Steel Transition with 248.5 MW Wind Power Project for ArcelorMittal

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Suzlon Group has taken a major step in advancing industrial decarbonisation in India by securing a 248.5 MW wind energy project from global steel major ArcelorMittal. The project will supply clean power to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India’s manufacturing operations, supporting the company’s transition toward low-carbon steel production.

The order forms part of a larger 550 MW hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat, which will combine wind and solar generation to provide reliable green electricity for captive industrial consumption. The initiative reflects the growing shift among heavy industries toward renewable energy procurement to meet sustainability targets, ESG commitments, and rising carbon compliance requirements.

With this project, Suzlon continues to strengthen its footprint in the green steel segment, taking its cumulative renewable capacity contribution for steel manufacturers to over 1.1 GW. The company has emerged as a key enabler of clean energy adoption in hard-to-abate sectors, where decarbonisation is both technically complex and capital intensive.

The project will be executed under Suzlon’s end-to-end EPC model, covering turbine supply, project execution, and long-term operations and maintenance. This integrated delivery approach ensures high system reliability, optimized performance, and predictable energy output for large industrial consumers.

Industry analysts note that renewable-powered captive projects are becoming a strategic priority for steel manufacturers, driven by volatile power tariffs, carbon pricing pressures, and global mechanisms such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Clean energy sourcing is increasingly being viewed not just as a sustainability initiative, but as a long-term competitiveness strategy.

The order also reinforces Suzlon’s strong commercial momentum, with its total order book standing at over 6.2 GW, backed by robust execution performance and rising investor confidence. The company continues to expand its role as a full-spectrum renewable energy solutions provider, supporting India’s industrial energy transition

Jonathan Cole Appointed GWEC Global Ambassador to Boost Wind Energy Growth

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The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has appointed former Chairman and Corio Generation founding CEO Jonathan Cole as a Global Ambassador, strengthening the organization’s leadership during a critical decade for the energy transition.

During his two-year tenure as GWEC Chairman, Cole oversaw a period of historic growth for the wind sector, supporting initiatives focused on supply chain resilience and streamlining regulatory frameworks in both emerging and mature markets. In his new role, he will serve as a high-level representative for the wind industry at major international climate and energy forums.

Cole brings over 20 years of leadership experience, having directed Iberdrola’s global offshore wind business and later leading Corio Generation, where he oversaw a 60 GW project pipeline across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. His appointment ensures GWEC continues to benefit from his technical expertise and global diplomatic network.

Other GWEC Ambassadors include former Chair and Vestas Senior Vice President Morten Dyrholm, and wind turbine pioneer Henrik Stiesdal.

Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, said:
“The Global Wind Energy Council is delighted to welcome Jonathan Cole back as a Global Ambassador. As Chair, he supported GWEC’s expansion into new markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. With global wind deployment accelerating, we look forward to leveraging Jonathan’s expertise and experience in turning ambitious plans into realised projects.”

Jonathan Cole commented:
“I am very proud to continue my relationship with GWEC and contribute as Global Ambassador to help the wind industry thrive. Wind energy is providing record volumes of reliable, homegrown energy while creating jobs and opportunity. There is still much work to do, and I look forward to supporting GWEC’s mission to advocate for wind energy worldwide.”

CERC Approves Tariffs For 312 MW Wind Projects Under SJVN Competitive Bidding

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The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued a landmark order approving tariffs for 600 MW of wind power projects connected to the inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), following a petition filed by SJVN Limited. The move is aimed at supporting India’s renewable energy expansion through transparent and competitive market mechanisms.

SJVN Limited, designated as a Renewable Energy Implementing Agency by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, initiated the competitive bidding process in April 2024. The tender was issued under the federal government’s 2023 guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding, targeting the procurement of 600 MW of wind power across India. However, the market response was modest, with three bidders submitting proposals for a total of 390 MW. After a technical evaluation and an e-reverse auction conducted in January 2025, SJVN awarded a total of 312 MW to two successful companies.

The winning bidders included M/s NLC India Limited and M/s Adyant Enersol Private Limited. NLC India secured 200 MW at a quoted tariff of Rs. 3.74 per kWh, while Adyant Enersol was awarded 112 MW at Rs. 3.81 per kWh. Both projects are planned for a 25-year term, offering long-term renewable energy supply stability to the grid.

During the regulatory proceedings, CERC closely examined whether the bidding process was conducted in a transparent manner and in compliance with Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. SJVN provided a conformity certificate to the Commission, confirming that the competitive bidding was carried out according to regulations and that the resulting tariffs reflected prevailing market trends. Although SJVN is still finalizing Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) with end-users, specifically Bihar Discoms, the Commission approved the tariff adoption to prevent delays in project execution.

A secondary issue in the petition concerned SJVN’s request for a trading margin of Rs. 0.07 per kWh. The Commission clarified that the applicable trading margin would be governed by the Trading License Regulations. If SJVN fails to provide required payment security measures, such as an escrow arrangement or a revolving letter of credit, the trading margin would be limited to Rs. 0.02 per kWh.

This ruling paves the way for the timely implementation of the awarded wind projects, reinforcing India’s commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity while maintaining market-driven transparency. By approving tariffs ahead of finalized PSAs, CERC has removed a potential bottleneck, ensuring that these wind projects can move forward without delay. The projects are expected to contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy targets, supporting a long-term transition toward clean and sustainable power.

With these approvals, SJVN’s wind power initiatives represent a critical step in expanding the country’s renewable energy infrastructure, demonstrating the effectiveness of competitive bidding as a mechanism for achieving affordable and reliable clean energy.

SECI Invites PMU Proposals to Accelerate Domestic Wind Energy Manufacturing Under National Cleantech Manufacturing Mission

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The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has invited proposals for setting up a dedicated Programme Management Unit (PMU) to support the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in implementing the National Mission on Cleantech Manufacturing, announced in the Union Budget 2025. The initiative is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities across key clean energy sectors, with wind energy identified as a priority area alongside solar photovoltaics, green hydrogen and energy storage systems.

Officials said the mission is designed to accelerate localisation of wind turbine components, nacelles, blades and balance-of-plant equipment, reduce import dependence, and build a globally competitive supply chain to support India’s expanding wind power capacity. The move aligns with the government’s broader “Make in India” and energy transition goals, as India looks to scale up renewable energy deployment while ensuring industrial self-reliance.

Under the proposal, the selected PMU agency will provide high-level technical and strategic support to MNRE leadership. Its mandate will be split into two key components. The first will focus on strategy and ecosystem design, including detailed diagnostics of the wind energy manufacturing value chain, identification of localisation opportunities, and recommendations on policy and fiscal measures to de-risk investments. The second component will concentrate on on-ground implementation, including the preparation of state-level wind and cleantech manufacturing plans for 15 priority states and the development of specialised industrial clusters.

SECI said the PMU will work closely with state governments, wind energy developers, equipment manufacturers, financial institutions and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated execution of the mission. The agency will deploy a multidisciplinary team comprising a project lead, sector experts for wind and other cleantech segments, and professionals specialising in policy, investment facilitation and workforce development. The team will be based at MNRE.

In addition to strategic planning and implementation support, the PMU will provide continuous market intelligence, including monthly updates on wind turbine pricing trends, global supply chain movements and emerging technologies. This is expected to help policymakers and industry players respond to market shifts and accelerate decision-making.

The PMU contract will initially be awarded for a period of two years, with a provision for a one-year extension subject to performance. Eligibility has been opened to experienced firms with a proven track record in managing large-scale government programmes in clean energy or industrial development. Financial criteria include a minimum working capital of INR 76.25 lakh and a positive net worth. The bidding process will be conducted through the GeM portal using a single-stage, two-envelope evaluation method.

SECI officials said the initiative is a significant step towards positioning India as a global manufacturing hub for wind energy equipment and other clean technologies. By combining targeted policy support with structured implementation, the National Mission on Cleantech Manufacturing is expected to strengthen the domestic wind energy ecosystem and support long-term, sustainable industrial growth.

GWEC Reports Record Wind Energy Additions in 2025, with Asia Emerging as the Primary Growth Engine

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Global wind energy installations are set to cross a historic milestone of 150 GW in 2025, driven largely by accelerated capacity additions across Asia, according to new figures released by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

India recorded its highest-ever annual installations, adding 6.3 GW of wind capacity in 2025. Europe delivered 16.5 GW of new capacity, marking an increase of 5 GW compared to 2024. In the United States, new installations are expected to exceed 7 GW, while China remains the dominant market, on track to surpass 100 GW in a single year, with 89 GW already installed by the end of November.

GWEC estimates that global wind installations in 2025 will significantly surpass previous records, underscoring wind energy’s growing role in meeting rising electricity demand worldwide.

Looking ahead, GWEC noted that expanding wind capacity by 2030 will see markets such as Vietnam, Australia and the Philippines begin to close the gap with Europe’s mature wind markets. These countries increasingly view renewable energy as a cornerstone of economic growth, with wind energy playing a central role in decoupling GDP growth from rising emissions.

Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, said the latest figures highlight the close link between economic growth and renewable energy expansion. He noted that China currently has an estimated 225,000 wind turbines generating more than 1.2 GWh of electricity, contributing to a decline in thermal power generation even as overall energy consumption reaches new highs. In India, record wind installations and large-scale solar additions are helping meet surging electricity demand. Backwell also pointed to the UK’s record-breaking AR7 auction, which is expected to attract £22 billion in private investment, as evidence of strong momentum across both mature and emerging markets, including Vietnam, South Korea and the Philippines.

GWEC Vice-Chairman Girish Tanti said the world is entering an energy-intensive growth phase, with wind energy emerging as a critical backbone. He noted that global wind installations are expected to exceed 150 GW in 2025, up from 94 GW four years ago, driven largely by fast-growing Asian economies. According to Tanti, countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Australia and the Philippines are scaling wind power to meet rising industrial demand, urbanisation and electrification at the lowest cost. By 2030, global wind capacity is projected to exceed 2 terawatts, with Asia-Pacific markets outside China accounting for a growing share of new installations.

GWEC said the expansion of wind energy will shape the next phase of global economic development, warning that economies failing to embrace clean, secure energy risk falling behind. China is expected to record GDP growth of around 5% in 2025, while India, Vietnam and the Philippines are forecast to grow at approximately 6%, 7% and 6%, respectively. These economies collectively serve the Asia-Pacific region’s 4.75 billion people, who currently consume around half of global energy but are expected to account for 60% more energy demand by 2040.

Emerging and developing economies already represent more than 80% of global energy demand growth, with wind energy increasingly positioned as a key solution to meet future demand while supporting a clean and secure energy system.

Suzlon Strengthens Global Leadership, Appoints Paulo Fernando Soares as President – Europe

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Suzlon Group, a leading global renewable energy solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Paulo Fernando Soares as President – Europe, as part of its Suzlon 2.0 strategy aimed at accelerating international growth.

In his new role, Paulo will oversee Suzlon’s European operations with a mandate to develop regional capabilities, forge strategic partnerships, enhance customer engagement, and expand market access across the continent. He will also focus on building a robust organizational framework to ensure long-term success in European markets, where Suzlon operates in 17 countries globally.

Paulo brings nearly four decades of experience in building and expanding wind energy businesses in key markets such as Germany, Brazil, China, and Spain. Having previously worked with leading Western and Asian wind OEMs, he also served Suzlon for five years, playing a pivotal role in establishing its Asian operations.

Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman of Suzlon Group, commented, “We are happy to welcome Paulo back as Suzlon accelerates its global ambitions. Europe, being one of the largest wind energy markets, represents a strategic growth opportunity. Paulo’s deep knowledge of wind technology and global market experience will be instrumental in driving our growth strategy.”

Paulo Fernando Soares, President – Europe, Suzlon Group, said, “I am excited to rejoin Suzlon and work alongside its global and Indian leadership teams. Suzlon has been an early trailblazer in the wind energy sector, advocating for wind’s pivotal role in the global energy transition. With our strong technology, track record, and international experience, we are well-positioned to expand our market share further.”

VERBUND Expands Wind Footprint: Multi-Year Agreement with Nordex for Up to 700 MW of Onshore Wind Turbines

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VERBUND Green Power, the international renewable energy subsidiary of Austria’s leading energy company VERBUND, has signed a multi-year framework agreement with global wind turbine manufacturer Nordex Group to potentially procure up to 700 MW of onshore wind capacity across Europe.

The agreement, formalized at VERBUND Green Power’s Madrid office on January 16, was signed by Dietmar Reiner, Managing Director of VERBUND Green Power, and José Luis Blanco, CEO of the Nordex Group. Under the framework, Nordex will supply up to 105 onshore wind turbines for VERBUND Green Power’s future projects in six key markets: Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, and Albania. The partnership extends through 2030.

Based on current project pipelines, the 700 MW capacity could cover approximately 50% of VERBUND Green Power’s wind projects, subject to approvals and commercial agreements.

Historically strong in hydropower, the VERBUND Group is accelerating its growth in wind and solar energy under its Mission V corporate strategy, aiming for photovoltaics and wind to contribute 25% of total generation by 2030. VERBUND Green Power already operates over 1.2 GW of renewable capacity across Europe and is actively developing multiple projects to expand its footprint further.

Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND, said, “This collaboration with Nordex supports our strategic objective of scaling up renewable generation across Europe. It strengthens our supply options as projects mature, helping secure the supply chain in a competitive environment while delivering on Mission V targets and accelerating the energy transition in our markets. Partnering with Nordex, a leader in wind technology, will be invaluable as we move from planning to deployment.”

José Luis Blanco, CEO of Nordex, added, “We are proud of our partnership with VERBUND Green Power. This multi-year framework allows us to provide up to 700 MW of our latest 7 MW-class onshore turbines across six European markets, transforming an ambitious pipeline into reliable, cost-efficient wind energy. Last year, we received our first order from VERBUND for nine N175/6.X turbines in Romania, marking the start of our expanded presence in the country.”

ACME Solar Commissions Additional 12 MW Wind Capacity in Gujarat, Operational Capacity Reaches 68 MW

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ACME Solar Holdings Limited, through its subsidiary ACME Eco Clean Energy Pvt Ltd, has commissioned an additional 12 MW of wind power capacity at its project in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, the company said. With the latest commissioning, the project’s total operational capacity has increased to 68 MW, out of the planned 100 MW being developed in phases.

The wind power project has been financed by Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and executed using ACME Solar’s in-house engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) capabilities. The project deploys SANY’s 4 MW wind turbines.

Electricity generated from the project will be sold under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) signed between ACME Eco Clean Energy and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL).

The commissioning of the additional 12 MW capacity was carried out in the presence of officials from the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) and Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL), and the details have been recorded in the commissioning minutes of meeting (MoM). The company said that the formal commissioning certificate is expected to be issued shortly.

Nordex Group Leads German Onshore Wind Market in 2025, Supplies Over 31% of New Installations

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The Nordex Group emerged as the market leader in Germany’s onshore wind sector for the second consecutive year, supplying more than 31% of all newly grid-connected onshore wind turbine installations in 2025. According to data from the German Onshore Wind Energy Agency (Fachagentur Windenergie an Land), Nordex installed and commissioned 285 turbines, achieving a total installed capacity of approximately 1,647 MW out of the 5,232.5 MW added across Germany.

Karsten Brüggemann, Vice President Region Central at Nordex Group, said, “I would like to express my gratitude to our customers for their continued confidence and to our colleagues for their unwavering commitment across the many projects delivered and installed last year. We will continue to invest in innovation and service to ensure reliable schedules and high yields, supported by our strong regional presence and technology optimized for German sites and grid conditions. We expect this positive trend to continue in 2026.”

Nordex’s continued leadership underscores its pivotal role in Germany’s renewable energy transition, providing cutting-edge turbine technology and supporting the country’s renewable capacity expansion.

VSB Commissions Extertal Wind Farm in North Rhine-Westphalia, Integrates AI for Bird Protection

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Renewable energy developer VSB has successfully commissioned the Extertal Wind Farm in the northeast of the Lippe District. The project comprises two Enercon E-138 turbines, with a combined installed capacity of 8.4 MW, enough to supply electricity for approximately 15,000 people, exceeding the annual consumption of the municipality of Extertal by about one-third. The wind farm is scheduled for official inauguration in spring 2026.

Construction and final commissioning were completed in December 2025, following roughly 14 months of development. Under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the municipality will receive a financial contribution of 0.2 euro cents per kilowatt-hour fed into the grid for each turbine.

Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Deutschland, stated, “We are pleased to start the year with the grid connection and successful commissioning of the Extertal wind farm. We thank all partners, companies, landowners, and the municipality for their trust and professional cooperation.”

Dr. Felix Grolman, CEO of VSB Group, added, “The Extertal project demonstrates the synergy between technological innovation, regional value creation, and ecological responsibility. AI solutions integrated into planning and turbine operation enhance efficiency and economic viability.”

AI-Supported Bird Protection and Agricultural Integration

The wind farm is equipped with AI-powered monitoring systems to balance energy generation with wildlife protection. Each turbine has four 360° panoramic cameras that detect agricultural activities such as mowing and harvesting. The system enables short-term turbine shutdowns when machinery is nearby, protecting birds of prey, including red kites, during hunting periods.

Project Outlook and Regional Expansion

Restoration of turbine sites, access roads, and transport areas will begin as weather conditions permit. The official inauguration festival for the wind farm will take place in spring 2026.

VSB is also developing the Arnsberg Wind Farm in the Hochsauerland District, consisting of three turbines with a total capacity of 18 MW, expected to be commissioned in spring 2027. Additionally, a turbine developed in collaboration with a local citizens’ energy cooperative in Dörentrup-Wendlinghausen has been supplying clean electricity since 2022.