Roaring 40s in first India project

Tasmanian Business Reporter
June, 2007 Page: 7

LEADING Australian based renewable energy company Roaring 40s has signed an agreement with major turbine manufacturer Enercon (India) for its first India wind farm project. The agreement establishes the commercial arrangements for the construction of a 50.4 MW wind energy project at Khandke, in the state of Maharashtra. The $80-million project, on which construction recently began, will be wholly owned by Roaring 40s with full commissioning expected by December.

Enercon (India) is the Indian subsidiary of Enercon GmbH, the renowned gearless turbine manufacturer, and is one of the largest operators in India's growing wind energy market. The company has operational experience in all wind energy active states within India and the second-largest market share in the Indian wind energy market, with specialist skills in engineering, procurement and construction of wind energy projects.

Enercon has been growing consistently to achieve a turnover of more than $600 million by March 2007, and is well placed to complement Roaring 40s' existing skills set. The project in Maharashtra is the first of what is anticipated to be a growing portfolio of wind energy projects for Roaring 40s in this large emerging market, and was made possible through the strong renewable energy policy implemented by the Maharashtra state administration in 2006.

Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher said: "The Maharashtra project represents a significant milestone for Roaring 40s and reinforces the company's strong and continued growth in the Asian region. "India is one of the global leaders in embracing wind energy as a means of meeting increasing energy demand and improving the environment, and Roaring 40s is very pleased to be working with Enercon to help India achieve its renewable energy targets." Roaring 40s is a 50:50 joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and CLP Group.