A legacy of Innovation: Suzlon Energy

From a small textile company to a global renewable energy giant, Suzlon Energy Limited’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and innovation. Led by the indefatigable Tulsi Tanti, Suzlon has been at the forefront of India’s clean energy revolution, inspiring a generation of entrepreneurs and sustainability champions

ABOUT SUZLON :-

Back in early 1990’s,After completion his graduation in engineering from Birla Vishvakarma Vidhyalaya,Tulsi Tanti was managing a small textile company in Surat,Gujarat. But it was not cost-effective due to irregular power supply and its rising cost as it was the highest expenditure after the raw material.

To solve this problem, he started wind energy production to cope up the energy needs for his wind energy production and found SUZLON in 1995. He applied 1:3 business model in which clients would be responsible for 25% of the up-front capital investment and Suzlon would give 75% on loan. Initially, Banks and Financial Institutions didn’t agree to fund loans for this model because they were not able to see growth in that business model, But by 2008, many banks started financing for Suzlon’s clients.

In 2001, the business model of the company proved to be effective. So, Tulsi tanti decided to sold off his textile business and tookover as a chairman cum – managing director of Suzlon Group. In 2003, the company decided to enter into the international market and established its office in Beijing, China. He received his first order from DanMar to supply 24 turbines in south-western Minnesota, United States. For its expansion, Suzlon came up with an Initial Public Offer(IPO) in 19th September,2005 with an issue size of 1496.34 Cr.

Suzlon’s Key Milestones

In 2006 –

Began US Operations: Started producing wind turbine blades at Pipestone, Minnesota facility.
Acquired Hansen Transmissions: Purchased Belgian firm specializing in wind turbine gearboxes for $565 million.

In 2007 –

Acquired Controlling Stake in Senvion : Purchased majority stake in German wind turbine manufacturer valued at $1.6 billion.
Secured Major US Contract: Signed contract with Edison Mission Energy to deliver 150 wind turbines.

In 2009 –

Debt Restructuring: Sold 35% stake in Hansen Transmissions for $370 million.

In 2011 –

Major Order: Received $1.28 billion order from Caparo Energy.
Return to Profitability: Announced return to profitability after financial crisis.
Strategic Sales: Sold remaining stake in Hansen Transmissions to ZF Friedrichshafen AG for $100 million.
Acquisition: Acquired full control of Repower Systems (now Senvion).

In 2013 –

EPC Contract: Senvion won contract to deliver 52 wind turbines for Bald Hills Wind Farm in Australia.

In 2014-2015 –

Debt Reduction Efforts: Sold Senvion to Centerbridge Partners for $830 million.
Equity Infusion: Dilip Shanghvi acquired 23% stake in Suzlon for $210 million.
Global Wind Power Capacity: Installed over 17,000 MW of wind power capacity across 18 countries.

In 2016 –

Global Manufacturing Presence: Operated 15 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Global Workforce: Employed over 8,000 people globally.

In 2017 –

Indian Wind Energy Milestone: Achieved 10,000 MW installed wind energy capacity in India.

In 2024 –

New Orders: Secured new order from Juniper Green Energy to develop 402 MW wind energy projects.
Market Capitalization Milestone: Hit ₹1 lakh crore (approximately $11.6 billion) market capitalization.

Notable Installations in India

Jaisalmer Wind Park, Rajasthan: 1064 MW
Kutch, Gujarat: 1100 MW
Sakri, Maharashtra: 650 MW
Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu: 584 MW
Satara, Maharashtra: 210 MW

ABOUT TULSI TANTI:-

In back 1990s, Renewable Energy sector was an emerging sector. There were many issues at that time to enter in this sector. However, Tulsi bhai’s passion and commitment helped him to become a leader of the renewable energy sector. He has brilliant ability to connect with people through his endearing humility. Tulsi bhai engaged with every person, whether a cabinet minister or a small vendor with the same empathy and human level. This is one of the qualities of a great leader.

He was a great leader with an ability to solve larger social and national issues. He founded Suzlon in 1995 and within five years, he set up wind energy installations to 1.2 GW. By 2010 India had 13 GW cumulative wind energy installations. By these efforts, the government compelled to introduce the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) regime. Tulsi bhai believed that India will succeed in wind energy by gaining access to world-class technology. The scale of wind energy projects in India shifted dramatically under his leadership.

His vision was clear – Nation above all, Sector above self. He had a burning desire to showcase India’s ability to the world. He achieved it by installing 6 GW wind turbines across 17 countries. This made India, one of the largest exporter of finished capital goods and technology. His faith in India’s manufacturing and engineering led him to collaborate with global vendors like LM and Hansen to set up operations in India.

He saw no one as a competitor. He believed that everyone was working to build a larger and stronger sector for the country. Tulsi bhai wholeheartedly championed solar energy without a moment of hesitation, when solar energy began to gain traction in India. He believes that anything beneficial to the nation had his support. He emphasized that “this is not the time for competition, it is time for collaboration.” By these incredible efforts he was called “ The Windman of India”and by many, “ The Father of Renewable Enery of India.”

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