Message-ID: <199508081913.MAA29991@cdp.igc.apc.org> Date: Tue, 8 Aug 1995 12:13:01 -0700 From: Tom Gray <mailto:tomgray@IGC.APC.ORG> Subject: --Indian Market Looks Strong To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
/* Written 12:08 PM Aug 8, 1995 by tomgray in igc:energy.news */ KENETECH SEES 'TREMENDOUS MARKET' DEVELOPING IN INDIAKenetech Windpower is in "active discussions" with representatives of different companies in India looking into the possibility of developing wind power plants, says company spokesman Clarence Grebey, adding that India "represents a tremendous market."
The Indian market looks good enough, in fact, that Kenetech is opening an office in Madras, Grebey said.
Already the firm has shipped 92 of its 33M-VS wind turbines to India for use in a development under construction by Aban Lloyd Chiles Offshore Ltd., a company primarily known for offshore oil drilling projects. Another 600 turbines will be shipped to Aban over the next two years, said Grebey.
The first of the turbines will be installed in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which was cited in a recent report as one of the most active wind development areas in the world (see Wind Energy Weekly #633, February 6, 1995). Aban owns 500 acres of land in Tamil Nadu and plans to develop 30 MW within the next few months to be sold to a local utility. In coming years, Aban reportedly hopes to build 100 MW each year.
Aban has no previous experience in wind energy development, Grebey said, and Kenetech is providing technical assistance. Grebey said the Aban deal is not a joint venture, but rather a straight equipment sale, which is unusual for Kenetech. In addition to providing equipment, he added, Kenetech is providing training at its Livermore, Calif., facility for Aban employees.
Kenetech's decision to become less involved than normal in this project stemmed from a number of factors, said Grebey. The technology used in building a wind plant has been well-tested, by now, he said, and has proven reliable. The 33M-VS, Kenetech's primary turbine at the current time, has been tested in environments ranging from fierce winters to hot summers to high winds and has proven itself. The utilities using or considering wind power have reached a "comfort level" with the machines, Grebey said, and "the time is right for equipment sales." In addition, Kenetech has a backlog of development projects and is happy at this time to allow others to begin their own developments, said Grebey.
Kenetech also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with KEI Energy of Hyderabad, India. This is an agreement to explore wind energy development possibilities, Grebey said; no firm plans have been made yet between KEI and Kenetech.
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