Jameson Mendonca
Power Generation Business Leader, Power Systems Business Unit, Cummins India
What were the major displays and launches at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024?
From the Powergen division, the primary highlight remains our CPCB IV+ genset launch, which we introduced earlier in June 2023.
Cummins was the first to launch the entire CPCB IV+ range well in advance, even though the original launch date was scheduled for July 2023. Initially, the adoption of CPCB IV+ gensets was slow, particularly limited to the NCR regions due to specific conditions. But we focused on being ready with the right technology at the right time, ensuring a smooth rollout of this cleaner, more efficient range.
How do you look at the market for your products?
From the initial days that we have seen, there has been a good uptake of the CPCB IV+ range. These gensets are cleaner, more efficient, and offer significantly lower emissions. Especially in regions like Delhi, where pollution levels are a concern, these gensets are exempt from restrictions, allowing them to run 24x7 even during GRAP periods. This development is a huge step towards improving the environment by reducing the overall pollution contribution from gensets.
How are you balancing between price and quality of your CPCB IV+ genset range?
At Cummins, we view our gensets as more than just a product; we offer a complete service throughout the product’s lifespan of 15-20 years. While there might be lower-cost products available, they often require frequent service intervals.
Cummins combines advanced technologies from our global experience in the US and UK markets with local expertise to deliver robust, durable, and high-quality products. Our extensive service network ensures consistent support, giving customers a reliable, long-term solution.
The government is going ahead with more and more infrastructure projects. How are you going to maintain scalability compared to the demand?
Cummins is fully prepared to scale up as demand increases. Our modular engine architecture allows us to use the same engine platforms across automotive, construction, and genset applications.
This modularity helps us expand capacity quickly when needed. We also work closely with our suppliers to monitor market trends and ensure we are ready to meet any sudden shifts in demand.
Do you have plans to use hybrid or hydrogen engines in your gensets?
Cummins is actively investing in next-generation technologies, including batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydrogen IC engines. Globally, we have these technologies ready, but mass adoption in India depends on demand and infrastructure availability.
For niche customers, such as those producing excess hydrogen for refineries, we are already capable of providing hydrogen-powered gensets. However, at this stage, diesel remains the dominant choice for mass markets due to its cost-effectiveness.
What would be the demand drivers of CPCB IV+ gensets?
The demand drivers for CPCB IV+ gensets are rooted in their superior compliance with new emission norms and operational efficiency. Traditional segments like residential standby power, realty, and office spaces remain crucial. However, emerging areas such as data centers are showing significant growth due to the rise in digitalization and AI, which demand reliable power backup.
Additionally, regulatory requirements in pollution-sensitive regions like NCR, where older gensets face operational restrictions, are compelling businesses to transition to cleaner options like CPCB IV+. This range, with its 24x7 operational capability during GRAP restrictions, is becoming indispensable. The evolving focus on sustainability and cleaner technology across industries further amplifies the demand for this product line.
Which are your major export markets?
Cummins has a robust global presence through its extensive distribution network, spanning almost every corner of the world, including North America, China, Europe, Africa, and more. However, there are still areas in Africa where we believe our presence can be expanded. We continue to focus on improving our reach in such regions while strengthening our existing markets.
What are your growth plans for 2025?
For 2025, our growth plans are centred on leveraging the advanced features of the new CPCB IV+ series to solidify our market position. These gensets are designed to meet stringent emission norms while offering better fuel economy, which translates into reduced operational costs for customers. The integration of telematics and IoT
capabilities further ensures predictive maintenance, enhancing reliability and uptime.
We aim to expand our market penetration across both domestic and international markets. By continuing to innovate and adapt to emerging customer needs, we plan to introduce new products that align with future regulations and technological advancements. Scaling up production capacity to meet growing demand while maintaining quality will also be a key focus area.