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Tulsi Tanti

Date:
April 5, 2011
Tulsi Tanti

Profile:

Mr. Tulsi Tanti, Founder and Chairman & Managing Director, Suzlon Energy Limited, first ventured into business with a textiles company in Gujarat, India. In 1994, faced with escalating power costs and using his background in commerce and engineering, he soon found wind energy to be the most economic and sustainable power solution. He set up two wind turbines to supply electricity for his textile unit in Gujarat which rapidly prospered. Recognizing the great potential wind energy offered, Tulsi Tanti created Suzlon Energy Limited in 1995. 

In just 14 years, Tulsi Tanti has led Suzlon to rank third as a wind energy world leader, with 12.3% of global market share and revenues of over US$ 5 billion in the financial year 2008-2009, with plans underway to extend its presence across 21 countries on five continents.

Building on this commercial success, Tulsi Tanti has since set forth a goal for Suzlon of not just being a successful wind energy company, but also being a socially responsible enterprise, with sustainable development at the core of the business. His commitment to social and ecological development, and his vocal advocacy of climate change mitigation has been honored numerous awards including ‘Champion of the Earth  2009’ by the United Nations Environment Program, ‘Hero of the Environment’ by TIME  Magazine and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year 2006’ by Ernst & Young, among several others.

  • HSBC’s recent report “Becalmed, It is all over for the wind market” says Suzlon’s market share in India is expected to decrease to 45% in 2014, from 61.7% in 2008.  Does this indicate an increase in other competitive companies entering the market in India?  And if so, does this mean that Government policies to stimulate the manufacture of low carbon tech are working?
The long term potential in wind energy is immense. The fact is that world’s need for energy will only increase, and the threat of climate change triggered by human development makes it imperative that we look to sustainable sources of energy. Today wind provides under two per cent of the world’s energy. Clearly, the competition isn’t between wind companies, our challenge is to increase the contribution of renewables to the world’s energy mix.

India is a rapidly growing economy, and our thirst for power grows apace. In this environment, wind has a major role to play. India also has what I consider one of the best policy frameworks for renewables anywhere in the world, and coupled with our considerable market potential – we are set for high growth. We have build a strong competitive edge that has helped us maintain market leadership for over 12 years. As the market continues to grow, I am confident we will be leading the way.

  • What are the key innovations that you are looking to boost Suzlon’s competitive edge in the renewable energy market?

We are committed to innovation at every level. Our solution offerings covering the entire value chain, from ‘concept to commissioning’ is an example of us innovating to meet the needs of the our customer, no matter where in the world they are. This is also core to our competitive advantage.

At the technology level, our focus is reducing the cost of energy from wind – and have a large R&D organization working towards lower the cost per-kilowatt / hour of power from wind, making it even more competitive with conventional sources.

Additionally, a key focus for us is to maximize the wind potential that can be harnessed around the world, and as we use up the best windy locations, we are looking ahead and shifting our attention to extracting the maximum output from even moderate to low wind locations anywhere in the world.

  • What do you think are India’s strategic strengths in delivering clean tech solutions?

India has a large, well trained work force, a booming economy, a growing thirst for energy and a clear vision on climate change and clean energy – all the ingredients we need to create a clean  energy revolution right here. India has the opportunity to embrace a development model that is built on inclusion and sustainable use of resources, combining these levers, the political will and the scale of India’s markets to make this possible on a truly wide scale. There is no doubt that India will play a key part is shaping not just clean tech, but the world’s energy landscape.

  • The govt of India’s budget has just been released, what are the key changes that will benefit clean energy development in India?

India’s new budget builds on what has already been a remarkable climb back to the pre-financial crisis growth trajectory as a nation. Looking at the green component, the continuance of the positive policy environment for renewable energy through the allocation of green funds will help India continue its rapid growth in this space.

  • With Suzlon now becoming member of The Climate Group, your expectations from the association? 

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. While this is often discussed and debated, without concerted efforts, we are still a long way from mitigating this threat. The Climate Group brings together the most important voices and players in this fight, and I believe together we have opportunity to shape the world of tomorrow.

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