Suzlon mulls developing clean energy projects in Gujarat

Suzlon Group, the world’s fifth largest wind-turbine maker, has expressed intent to develop clean energy projects of 3,000 megawatt (Mw) in Gujarat over the next five years.

Taking up the challenge put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of establishing 2,000 Mw wind energy in Gujarat, Suzlon has till date already generated 1,800 Mw. This accounts for 20 per cent of Suzlon’s total pan-India capacity of over 8,250 Mw, the company stated in an official communique.

According to Suzlon, the wind energy projects will attract investments with an aim to create sustainable economic growth for the state in addition to reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ campaign initiated by the government.

The project has the potential to create 6000 direct and 75,000 indirect jobs in the state.

“Renewable energy is the key catalyst for the economic growth of our country. Wind energy will give a fillip to the manufacturing industry. With the central government’s goal of ‘Make in India’, Vibrant Gujarat is poised to attract investments and establish linkages across various value chain participants. This will reinforce Gujarat’s position as India’s leading market in renewable energy and illustrate the state’s commitment to power a low-carbon economy,” said Suzlon Group Chairman Tulsi Tanti, adding that the contribution of wind energy in the energy architecture mix across the world has increased manifold.

The Gujarat government’s initiative to scale up wind energy to Rs 10 gigawatt is aimed at giving a fillip to local manufacturing. According to Suzlon, the central government’s thrust on clean energy has opened up opportunities for the growth of the small and medium enterprise industries and sectors such as textiles, automobiles, agricultural products (food processing), cold storage and defence.