Envision Energy is a world-leading company, designing, manufacturing and operating smart wind turbines and energy storage systems, also providing green hydrogen solutions. In this exclusive conversation with T&D India, we have RPV Prasad, CEO, Envision Wind Power Technologies India, giving us an in-depth understanding on Envision’s wind turbine business. Prasad asserts that Envision’s growth plans in India are in tune with India’s thrust on renewable energy, and that Envision is poised to make a significant contribution to India’s net-zero targets.
We understand that Envision recently won an order to supply 3.3-mw rated wind turbines to Serentica Renewables. Is this the first order for such turbines (EN156/3.3 MW) in India?
We entered the Indian market in 2016 with the vision of becoming India Inc.’s preferred net-zero tech partner. Over the years, we have solidified our position in the country by forming strategic alliances with prominent corporations and spearheading the transition towards a sustainable future. One notable achievement came in 2019 when we successfully implemented a wind energy project in Gujarat, commissioning a total of 233MW. Sprng Alt Energy and Renew Power, our valued partners, benefitted from this initiative, with 79 WTGs and 14 WTGs respectively, all powered by our EN131/2.5 Wind Turbine Generators.
We have also developed a ground-breaking turbine model, the EN156/3.3, specifically tailored to suit the unique conditions prevailing in the country. This innovation has enabled us to secure orders surpassing 4GW, resulting in a notable increase in our market share in India, which now stands at 45 per cent. Our association with Serentica Renewables is a part of this milestone. Through this, we are committed to supplying 106 EN156/3.3 MW wind turbines for producing 1.25 billion units of clean energy in Maharashtra.
We express our sincere gratitude to our customers for their unwavering trust in us. With their support, we are eager to drive India’s energy transition at an accelerated pace, making a significant contribution to a greener future.
We learn that the EN156/3.3 MW turbine has been very successful in China and Vietnam. Please discuss the suitability of this turbine to Indian wind conditions.
The EN156/3.3 smart wind turbine prototype was successfully connected to the grid in 2019 and obtained certification from DNV. In Vietnam and China, there has been a cumulative order of 5,300MW (1612 turbines) for the EN156 turbine model, out of which 3500MW are currently operational. This turbine model is specifically designed to suit India’s wind climatic conditions, providing optimal energy generation and offering the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) or wind farm developers.
Since the launch of the EN156-3.3MW turbine in India in 2021, Envision has received orders exceeding 4GW to date. This turbine model has become the preferred choice for most IPPs in India due to its suitability for all windy states, fulfilling customer business requirements, and approval of the turbine design and configuration by reputable third-party agencies such as DNV and UL, which have assessed it for India’s climatic conditions.
Envision currently provides a tubular steel tower with a height of 140m. However, there are plans to introduce a hybrid tower option with heights of 140m and 160m. This enhancement aims to further improve the return on investment for customers.
Tell us more about Envision’s wind turbine manufacturing capabilities in India. What is the current extent of localization?
India is a strategic market for Envision Energy and we are dedicated towards playing a pivotal role in the country’s booming clean energy landscape. With the country serving as a crucial manufacturing and R&D hub, we have specifically designed the EN156/3.3 wind turbine generator (WTG) to be the largest and tallest operational WTG in the market.
Under the Make-in-India initiative, we have expanded our Pune factory for nacelle & hub assembly to produce an impressive 3GW per year. We have also collaborated with one of the leading manufacturers based in India for sourcing blades. To further bolster our manufacturing capabilities, we have established our four-mould blade plant at Trichy and commenced commercial production. Based on our expertise in manufacturing state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries for application in the electric vehicle and stationery storage spaces and the success in global markets over the recent past, we have started offering grid-connected stationary storage solutions to the Indian market. Going forward, we will continue to develop innovative products, invest in R&D, and strike meaningful collaborations with global businesses and organisations.
How do you rate the opportunities for Envision given India’s renewable energy ambitions (500 GW by 2030 which includes 100 MW Wind capacity by 2030)? Please also discuss this for the emerging offshore wind energy market in India.
Generation capacity mix of the country has undergone significant changes since the time of independence with increased electricity demand in the country. Share of hydro capacity, which was about 26 per cent by the end of 10th plan period (i.e. 2006-07), has come down to about 11 per cent presently whereas the solar and wind capacity has increased to 26 per cent as of March, 2023 from 9 per cent by the end 2011-12. The share of coal (and lignite) based capacity has also reduced marginally from 56 per cent at the end of 2011-12 to 51 per cent as of March, 2023. Particularly speaking about Wind, NIWE (National Institute of Wind Energy) indicates a gross wind power potential of 302 GW in India at 100 meters and 695.50 GW at 120 meters above ground level and only ~43 GW capacity has been tapped out of this by now. We strongly believe that India is on the brink of a transformative phase and has the potential to become a global leader in renewable energy solutions, particularly in wind energy generation.
According to a study conducted by the Global Wind Energy Council, wind energy exhibits immense potential in India, offering a 40 per cent lower cost of generation compared to conventional power sources. Furthermore, the Government of India is actively promoting the development and installation of offshore wind energy sites and wind-solar hybrid systems through the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy and National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy. The government has already made notable changes this year, including streamlining the bidding process, exempting charges on inter-state sale of wind power, and unveiling plans for renewable energy parks to facilitate land allocation for wind farm developers.
India possesses significant potential for offshore wind energy development along its extensive coastline. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Envision Energy, with expertise in offshore wind technology, can play a crucial role in establishing and expanding offshore wind farms, thereby contributing to the country’s overall renewable energy capacity.
As a leading provider of offshore wind turbines in China, Envision has successfully produced and operated its self-developed multi MW wind turbines for last one decade. We can leverage our proven design, engineering construction, and operation and maintenance capabilities to support the development of offshore wind farms in India. Our EN226-8.5MW and EN252-14MW offshore turbines are in commercial production starting 2022 and 2023 respectively. It is worth noting that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also shared an indicative auction trajectory of 37GW for offshore wind under various bidding models in 2022.
While the development of onshore wind farms has been limited to regions with high wind speeds in select states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Envision’s smart wind turbine, designed for low wind speed sites, has the potential to accelerate the development of wind farms in new regions and states. This innovative technology has the capability to revolutionize the wind power industry by effectively harnessing the power of low wind speed areas.
Envision, as we learn, is credited to developing “smart” turbines. Tell us more. Can we presume that this “smartness” is built into every turbine made by Envision?
Our next-generation Smart Wind Turbines operate on a “software-defined turbine” approach, which has enabled us to surpass the technological limitations of traditional wind turbines and achieve a remarkable increase in efficiency for wind power generation.
On a technical note, we learn that sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) – a greenhouse gas – is used in wind turbines. Are wind turbine manufacturers, globally, working towards phasing out the use of SF6?
SF6 gas is widely used in the electrical industry, including switchgears present in wind turbines, due to its insulating properties. However, it is one of the most dangerous greenhouse gases known to humans and while its atmospheric concentration was 1 per cent in 2020, it will only continue to increase. This is especially dangerous as SF6 has a lifetime of 3,200 years and the growing interest in wind and solar energy comes with the burden of phasing out SF6 gas.
Recent developments in the electrical industry have proven that not only do we have feasible replacements for SF6, but they are in successful operation. By employing a blend of clean air and vacuum technology within the turbine, we can achieve a dual objective: maintaining an efficient and dependable high-voltage network while prioritizing environmental sustainability. However, SF6 phase out must be done in a proactive manner, as implementing retroactive measures will compromise the safety and dependability of the power grid, introduce additional constraints in the energy supply, and hinder the progress and integration of new wind farms.
Briefly, tell us about Envision’s activities in the field of battery energy storage and green hydrogen. Do you see these are high-potential areas in India?
Envision is a pioneering company that offers a comprehensive and integrated solution for clean energy, encompassing generation, storage, and software. Our expertise lies in the development of advanced wind turbines, energy storage systems, and software solutions capable of managing energy assets on a global scale.
As a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, we recognize the promising potential of green hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. In line with our commitment to sustainability, we actively engage in the development of green hydrogen technologies. Our goal is to promote its adoption as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
India, with its ambitious renewable energy targets and unwavering commitment to sustainable development, represents a high-potential market for battery energy storage and green hydrogen. The country possesses abundant renewable energy resources, and the adoption of energy storage and green hydrogen solutions can overcome challenges related to intermittency, storage, and grid stability. We at Envision are eager to collaborate with local stakeholders, including government bodies, utilities, and industries, to expedite the deployment of battery energy storage and green hydrogen technologies in India. With our extensive expertise and experience, we firmly believe that India can harness the full potential of renewable energy, achieving its net-zero targets and transitioning toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
In the next three years, we are planning to introduce our next turbine model, the EN182/5.0, with a rotor size of 182m and a rated capacity of 5 MW.
What are some your cherished corporate milestones that you would like to see Envision crossing in India, in the medium term (say 3-5 years)?
Envision is committed to contributing to India’s and the global net-zero targets by maintaining a strong order intake year on year and leading the market. To support this goal and align with the Atmanirbhar Bharat plan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have plans to expand our manufacturing base in India. Our aim is to increase our wind turbine generator production capacity from the existing 3 GW per annum to 5 GW per annum. As part of our long-term strategy, we are planning to establish our second nacelle & hub plant and second blade plant at strategic locations within India.
In the next three years, we are planning to introduce our next turbine model, the EN182/5.0, with a rotor size of 182m and a rated capacity of 5 MW. While we may initially source cells from China, we are exploring the possibility of setting up an assembly shop in India for DC Skids, which are essential components for grid-connected battery-based stationary storage applications. This move aligns with our long-term strategy, and we will also seek partnerships with Indian companies for tower manufacturing, BESS integration, blade manufacturing, and sourcing of nacelle & hub components.
We have made significant progress in localization efforts, with over 45 per cent localization in value terms achieved by manufacturing/sourcing blades, towers, and some nacelle components in India. Currently, we are in the final stages of tying up with vendors to source generators, castings, bearings, gearboxes, and blade raw materials locally. This will effectively increase local content to over 70 per cent within the next 1-1.5 years.
We are closely monitoring the offshore wind sector and exploring the possibility of installing a prototype for the EN252/14.0, a wind turbine generator with a rotor diameter of 252m and a rated capacity of 14 MW. This demonstrates our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the wind energy industry.
