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In a boost to its manufacturing capabilities, global wind energy majors including GE, Enercon, and Vestas are turning to India to produce key wind energy components, making the country a sourcing hub for export operations.
GE Wind Energy, which has an assembling unit in Chennai, is exporting components including blades to China and other European markets, while Enercon India is exporting wind turbine generators to Germany, industry officials told PTI.
"A major reason for the trend is lower costs in India and availability of skilled persons," said V V Shanta Raman, secretary, Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association.
Exports of wind energy components and even the entire wind energy equipment (except towers) are taking place from India, he said, adding during the last four years, the exports of such products from India stood in the region of Rs 40-50 crore (Rs 400-500 million) per annum.
Other leading firms NEG Micon, Vestas RRB are also exporting components, generators and blades produced in India for the overseas markets. Vestas RRB recently announced expansion plans for its Chennai facility, sensing the potential for both domestic and overseas markets.
GE Wind Energy, which got into the sector after the acquisition of Enron's Wind Energy, was looking at India as a manufacturing hub for exports markets, said Saibaba M, its general manager (marketing).
Last week, Spanish wind energy major Gamesa Eolica announced entry into India through a joint venture with Pioneer Asia for establishing a manufacturing facility in the country.
D V Giri, CEO and president of Pioneer Asia Wind Turbines, said the joint venture with Gamesa Eolica, is for producing 850 KW wind turbine generators at its plant in Pondicherry.
Gamesa would transfer the technology to the Indian joint venture for manufacturing wind turbine. "Gamesa's technicians are extending full support, both in assembling and commissioning the WTGs," he said.
The company would make India an hub for exports markets, including Pakistan, Giri said.
Shanta Raman said some of the components made in India for the exports markets include forgings, castings and other fabricated items, in addition to the generators and blades.
"Except for the wind towers, most of the other components are exported from India," he said.