India Tightens Wind Turbine Norms to Boost Domestic Manufacturing and Data Sovereignty

In a sweeping regulatory overhaul, India has introduced new norms for wind turbine manufacturers aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains, safeguarding operational data, and accelerating its clean energy ambitions.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has replaced the earlier RLMM framework with a more stringent Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). Under the new rules, turbine makers must source critical components—such as blades, towers, gearboxes, generators, and special bearings—from Indian vendors listed in the ALMM.

Local Sourcing Mandate

• Manufacturers must source key components—blades, towers, generators, gearboxes, and special bearings—from Indian vendors listed in the newly created Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
• This replaces the earlier RLMM framework and strengthens quality control and energy security.

Data Localization & Cybersecurity

• All wind turbine data must be stored within India.
• Real-time operational data transfers abroad are prohibited.
• R&D centers, data centers, and servers must be located in India within one year.

Inspection & Compliance

• A technical team from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will conduct inspections.
• A standard operating procedure (SOP) will be issued for compliance.

Innovation Exemptions

• New manufacturers and models are exempt from ALMM sourcing for up to 800 MW over two years, to encourage innovation and tech not yet available domestically.
• Certain bid-out and near-term projects are also exempt.

Strategic Implications

Impact Area	Details
Domestic Players Benefit	Suzlon Energy, Inox Wind, Adani Wind expected to gain market share
Foreign Firms Affected	China's Envision Group may lose ground due to sourcing restrictions
Manufacturing Capacity	India’s wind turbine industry has 20 GW annual capacity
Energy Goals	Supports India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030

This Single 7 Football-Fields Size Wind Turbine in China Can Power 36,000 Households Yearly

China has installed the world's first 18 MW wind turbine, which is a significant milestone in renewable energy. This semi-direct drive offshore wind-turbine can generate enough electricity to power approximately 36,000 households annually. The turbine was installed by Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC), a state-owned manufacturer, at a coastal test base in Guangdong province.

The turbine's rotor diameter is an impressive 853 feet (260 meters), and it sweeps an area of over 570,000 square feet (53,000 square meters), equivalent to 7.4 standard football fields. It's expected to produce 72 GWh-hours (72 million kWh) of energy each year, which not only meets the energy demands of thousands of homes but also saves about 22,000 tonnes of coal from being burned and prevents the release of 59,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

🆕A new 18 MW semi-direct drive offshore wind turbine, developed by #DEC, was installed at a coastal test base in Shantou, South China's Guangdong province, on June 5.

✅With a 260-m rotor diameter, the turbine has a swept area of 53,000 sq m, equivalent to 7.4 standard football… pic.twitter.com/85I9E0TpRi

— Dongfang Electric (@DongfangGlobal) June 7, 2024

This development is a part of the global shift towards phasing out fossil fuels and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. It's interesting to note that this trend of constructing larger wind turbines is particularly prominent among Chinese manufacturers.

Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC) is a prominent Chinese state-owned enterprise and one of the world's leading power equipment manufacturers. It was established in 1984 and is headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. It originated from the Dongfang Electric Machinery Plant, which was founded in 1958. The company specializes in developing, designing, manufacturing, and selling equipment for various types of power plants, including hydro, thermal, nuclear, wind, steam, and solar thermal-based plants. Their product range is quite extensive and includes everything from boilers to turbines and generators.

With a worldwide market share, DEC has been recognized as the second-largest manufacturer of steam turbines. The company serves customers not only in China but also internationally, reflecting its significant global footprint.

In recent years, DEC has expanded its operations and ventured into new projects. For instance, in 2024, they built a 220 MWac Samarkand solar PV plant in Uzbekistan and opened the DEC hydrogen energy industrial park in Chengdu.

Like many large corporations, DEC has faced its share of controversies. It was accused by General Electric of benefiting from a rigged tendering process for a contract awarded by South African utility giant Eskom.

Suzlon to Supply 175 Wind Turbines of 3.15 Mw Each to Aditya Birla Group

• Suzlon secures a new 551.25 MW order for the 3 MW series from Global Indian Conglomerate, Aditya Birla Group
• Order to be executed across two sites, 368.55 MW at the site developed by Suzlon in the Barmer district, Rajasthan and another 182.70 MW at the site developed by client in the Bhuj district, Gujarat.
• Generated power to be utilised for captive usage within the Aditya Birla Group companies.
• A project of this size can provide electricity to ~4.54 lakh households and curb ~17.92 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions per year

Suzlon Group, India's largest renewable energy solutions provider, has announced a new order win for the development of 551.25 MW wind power project for the Aditya Birla Group, a Global Indian Conglomerate. Suzlon will install 175 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower and a rated capacity of 3.15 MW each at sites in the Barmer district in Rajasthan and Bhuj district in Gujarat.

This order is for the company's larger rated 3.15 MW, S144-140m turbines from the 3 MW product series. As part of the agreement, Suzlon will supply the wind turbines (equipment supply) and execute the project, including erection and commissioning, in Rajasthan, while they will supply, supervise, and commission the project in Gujarat. Suzlon will also undertake comprehensive operations and maintenance services post- commissioning at both the sites.

This project is a testament to the growing commitment to renewable energy in India and aligns with national targets to ramp up renewable capacities. It's expected to provide electricity to approximately 4.54 lakh households and reduce around 17.92 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions annually 2. A move like this by a major conglomerate sets an example for others in India Inc. to follow in the pursuit of green energy solutions.

Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group, said, "We are delighted to partner once again with the Aditya Birla Group for this order. Suzlon admires and shares the value of nation building with the Aditya Birla Group and welcomes this opportunity to power them with sustainable energy. We applaud ABG's visionary approach to power operations across its group companies with renewable energy and set an example for India Inc. Suzlon's comprehensive and proven product portfolio, customised for the Indian wind regime, will be instrumental in ramping up India's renewable energy capacities in line with our national targets while powering the Indian industry with green energy."

JP Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group, said, "Every repeat customer is a validation of our technology and service prowess. I am grateful that the Aditya Birla Group has reaffirmed their faith in Suzlon's end-to-end solutions, products, and service excellence. This order will enable us to further strengthen our presence in Rajasthan and Gujarat while helping the states unlock their true wind energy potential. Every Suzlon turbine is a testament to "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" being manufactured in India through a thriving domestic ecosystem."

Jayant Dua, Business Head and Director, Aditya Birla Renewables Limited, said, "At Aditya Birla Renewables Limited, we prioritise partnerships that enhance our mission to power India Inc. with renewable energy, expanding the accessibility of green power throughout the country. Suzlon's technological expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and comprehensive project development skills will help accelerate our energy transition journey and support our net-zero commitments."

Suzlon turbines feature the time tested Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) technology that efficiently integrates wind turbines into the utility network to meet the grid requirements. Suzlon's R&D efforts are continuously geared towards increasing turbine performance, harnessing more energy from low wind sites, and lowering the cost of energy.

Suzlon Secures A Repeat Order of 193.2 MW from The KP Group in Gujarat

• To supply 92 wind turbines with a rated capacity of 2.1 MW each
• Project with a total installed capacity of 193.2 MW to be completed at Vagra and Vilayat in Bharuch district of Gujarat
• This will be part of Wind-Solar Hybrid and STU's (State Transmission Utility) tariff based project for increasing Renewable Energy contribution in the state
• A project of this size can provide electricity to ~1.25 lakh households and curb ~4.96 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Suzlon Group, India's largest renewable energy solutions provider, has announced a new order win for the development of a 193.2 MW wind power project for The KP Group. This will be part of Wind-Solar Hybrid and STU's (State Transmission Utility) tariff-based project for increasing Renewable Energy contribution in the state of Gujarat. Suzlon will supply 92 units of their S120 - 2.1 MW wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a 140m Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower at Vagra and Vilayat in Bharuch district of Gujarat.

Suzlon will execute the project with a scope of supply, supervision, and commissioning. Additionally, Suzlon will also undertake post-commissioning operation and maintenance services.

Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group said, "With an extremely conducive policy environment offered by Gujarat, this order from The KP Group is a testament of India Inc's commitment to building a sustainable India. It is heartening to see the private sector step up to the task with such enthusiasm, especially through the C&I segment that will help MSME to become globally competitive by switching to green power."

JP Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group said, "We are delighted to announce a repeat order from The KP Group. The KP Group has been a long-standing player in renewable energy and has consistently worked towards increasing renewable energy installations in the country. Suzlon takes pride in the fact that committed customers like The KP Group continue to select our leading technology and comprehensive capabilities throughout the entire wind energy value chain. The power generated from this project will inter-alia serve the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) consumer segment and the people of Gujarat with clean, green, renewable power. Suzlon is committed to partner with increasing number of Indian industries, driving them toward their net-zero targets while powering the nation with sustainable energy."

Every Suzlon turbine is manufactured in the country through a thriving domestic value chain ecosystem which is a testament to our contribution to the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Dr. Farukbhai Gulambhai Patel, Chairman and Managing Director, KP Group said, "This project is in line with our goal to unlock India's renewable energy potential and power the commercial and industrial sectors and the people of Gujarat. As India's leading renewable energy solutions provider with proven technology, Suzlon is the right partner for us. We have had a long and fruitful association with Suzlon in the past using their cost-effective Made-in-India solutions to create an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. With nearly three decades of serving India with renewable energy The KP Group is focussed on increasing its green energy footprint in India helping our customers' power their growth and electricity requirements with clean energy."

Suzlon turbines feature the time tested Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) technology that efficiently integrates wind turbines into the utility network to meet the grid requirements. Suzlon's R&D efforts are continuously geared towards increasing turbine performance, harnessing more energy from low wind sites, and lowering the cost of energy.

About The KP Group

The KP Group was founded by Dr. Farukbhai Gulambhai Patel in 1994 which is now well recognized group of Gujarat. What started as a logistics service provider in 1994 is now a group with a combined turnover of around Rs. 12 Billion with 1GW commissioned in Renewable projects.

The Group has completed more than 28 years of its successful operations and today consists of several group of companies, all contributing to the fast and robust growth of the group. During the last decade the group has achieved phenomenal growth as a result of diversification into fabrication and galvanizing, renewable energy sector (Solar & Wind) and Telecom infrastructure. Major Group Entities include, KPI Green Energy Limited, KP Energy Limited, KP Green Engineering Pvt Limited, and KP Human Development Foundation.

The Group has leveraged rapid industrialization and economic progress of the country by developing business in renewable energy sector (Solar & Wind). KP Group has successfully completed Initial Public Offer in both Solar and Wind renewable energy. The flagship companies of the KP Group, KPI Green Energy Limited is listed on Main Board Platform BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and KP Energy Limited is listed on Main Board Platform of BSE Limited.

About The Suzlon Group

The Suzlon Group is one of the leading renewable energy solutions providers in the world with ~20.3 GW* of wind energy capacity installed across 17 countries. Headquartered at Suzlon One Earth in Pune, India; the Group comprises of Suzlon Energy Limited (NSE: SUZLON & BSE: 532667) and its subsidiaries. A vertically integrated organisation, with in-house research and development (R&D) centres in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and India, Suzlon's world-class manufacturing facilities are spread across 14 locations in India. With over 28 years of operational track record, the Group has a diverse workforce of over 6,000 employees. Suzlon is also India's No. 1 wind energy service company with the largest service portfolio of over 14.3 GW in wind energy assets. The Group has ~6 GW of installed capacity outside India. Suzlon offers a comprehensive product portfolio led by the 2 MW and 3 MW series of wind turbines.

**Global installations of Suzlon manufactured wind turbine generators. Data as on 30th September 2023