Precision and Power

Suzlon Group's Manufacturing Business CEO Gurpratap Boparai on scaling smart manufacturing for India's wind energy future.

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The wind energy sector in India is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by ambitious national targets and a surging order book for key players. At the forefront of this evolution is Suzlon Group, which recently unveiled its strategy to build India's largest smart wind manufacturing capacity, including three new AI-enabled blade factories strategically located closer to wind project sites. This move is designed to accelerate the execution of the company's robust 6.2 GW order book and meet the nation's growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure.

In an exclusive conversation, Gurpratap S. Boparai, CEO of Suzlon Group's Manufacturing Business, offered a deep dive into the operational philosophy, technological interventions, and cultural shifts underpinning this massive scale-up. Drawing on his background in the automotive sector, Boparai outlined a vision where precision, ligitisation, and a de-risked supply chain converge redefine wind turbine manufacturing.

Vertical integration and proximity

Suzlon’s manufacturing strategy is rooted in two core principles: continued vertical integration and a decentralised production footprint. Boparai confirmed that the company will continue along the path of vertical integration while simultaneously implementing a strategy to place manufacturing facilities closer to the point of use. “We also have a strategy to make our blade facilities close to the point of use to overcome some of the logistical challenges,” Boparai explained. “The philosophy is of small to medium-sized blade facilities close to the point of use. That's the philosophy we are building on.”