GE launches 1.7-103 turbine to tap low wind site potential

 

GE, in a bid to tap the growing wind energy equipment market in India, on Friday launched 1.7-103 low wind speed turbine. Developed and engineered in the country, the turbine would be produced from GE's Chakan facility situated near Pune, Maharashtra.

“The turbine's large 103 metre rotor will help deliver high efficiency output and attractive project economics. It will further unlock the potential of wind project sites. We recognise that India is a market with a certain amount of wind speed. It offers a 30 per cent rise in annual energy production, compared to GE's previous model 1.6-82.5 turbine. A 100 Mw wind farm powered by a new turbine can generate electricity required to fulfill the needs of 4,13,000 Indian homes and offset carbon emissions of 2,91,000 TCO2 per year,” GE president and CEO (South Asia) Banmali Agrawala told Business Standard.

Agrawala said that GE leverages global and local supply chains to serve its customers.”We own design, technology and intellectual property of 1.7-103 turbine. We will do some critical items locally but will rely on the global supply chain also. The manufacturing facility at Chakan will meet the needs for the local market but will also support the global market needs,” he noted.

Mahesh Palashikar, CEO, GE Renewables (India region) said that low wind site could now be tapped with the launch of 1.70103 turbine across the country. “The gross capacity factor will be 45 per cent and the plant load factor will be high but will vary from site to site. We have measured data with one year of proto type run in Karnataka. We feel confident about our localisation efforts which will help meet India’s unmet energy needs,” he added.