Hybrid systems are a game-changer in our Industry.

Farrokh Cooper

- Chairman & Managing Director, Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd.

How do you see the market dynamics (demand and growth drivers) for Gensets applied in various industries such as infrastructure, housing, data center and healthcare sector? 

Currently, the genset market in India is growing due to the expanding manufacturing sector and increasing demand for power for commercial applications. The 5 kVA-75 kVA genset segment held a significant market share due to the widespread use of these gensets in commercial applications such as retail outlets, hotels, telecom towers, offices, and malls. I believe that increased investment in the telecom sector, the rapid development of commercial infrastructure, and rising demand for backup and prime power in residential facilities are driving up demand for generators.

Also, the pandemic situation accompanied by various phases of lockdown and unlocks has highlighted the need for having a continuous power supply. Be it residential societies, small clinics, standalone restaurants, standalone offices/retail stores, bungalows, farmhouses and construction sites and others require an uninterrupted power supply. To address the issue of consistent power source we introduced future-ready 5KVA compact diesel gensets. The 5 KVA compact genset -Cooper Bolt Mini incorporates the contemporary Air-cooled engine designed by Ricardo, the UK with whom Cooper has a technical collaboration for designing its state-of-the-art family of engines. Also, we are planning to launch a 500kVA engine genset this year. This has been designed by Ricardo, UK and comes future emission ready having the lowest cost of ownership in its class.

Could you brief us on the technology and innovative trends, especially the unique and advanced features in your range of Gensets?

Cooper Corporation - a leading diesel generator manufacturer, we design diesel-powered generators that redefine performance efficiency. Our ECOPACK range of DG sets redefines performance efficiency. It is fitted with our four-stroke liquid-cooled gas engines and further equipped with Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) technology developed in partnership with Ricardo (UK). They are fitted with ECU and optimal remote control ECU modules that control all critical engine functions and parameters. The noise levels of our generators range from 75-57 dbA at one metre under free field conditions, much less than any of our competition. Also, they are Euro IV, US Tier IV (interim) and CPCB 2 compliant.

We also specialize in super silent gas-powered generators, with power ranging from 10 KVA - 140 KVA (1.2L to 7.8L). Our ECOPACK series of gas-powered generators run on a 2, 3, 4 & 6 cylinder, in-line, 4-stroke Cooper make-LPG gas engine, developed as per state-of-the-art CRDi technology.

What do you think will be the impact of the implementation of stringent regulations to curb toxic emissions, increasing grid connectivity and focus on renewable, on the growth prospects?

At Cooper, our manufacturing plants are based in the outskirts of Satara.  The production process is constantly monitored to ensure consistency in quality, and we use high-performance machine tools in each phase of the process to achieve the desired surface finish through optimised machining operations. We practice stringent quality control measures for all our products. In the Cooper Corporation Quality Control laboratories, products undergo Chemical Analysis with an Emission Spectrometer, and Microstructural Analysis using a CCTV camera equipped with Metallurgical Microscopes and BHN/HRB Hardness Testing Machines.

What is the scope and potential for hybrid systems and how prepared are you in this space?

Yes, we are well prepared to incorporate Hybrid energy systems in our manufacturing plants when the time arises, however, Cooper engine models are known in the market for their compact size, best-in-class fuel efficiency and lowest maintenance costs. Hybrid systems are a game-changer in our Industry. hybrid energy systems can generate round-the-clock power with cost and reliability levels comparable to gas or diesel plants. Hybrid systems are expected to become increasingly cost competitive, driven by reducing costs of battery storage and solar energy.

What do you think is the rental scenario of Gensets?  

Over the yearsin the industry the power rental, also known as Power on hire comes with numerous pros and cons. One of the reasons why the generator renting business is attractive is its growth prospects. Further, various applications in the residential, commercial, and industrial establishments need either prime power or standby power to ensure continuity in operations. Applications in various sectors such as telecom, event management, healthcare, power utilities, offshore, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, shipping, natural disasters, and construction drive the generator renting business. The decision to rent a Genset is done in areas that face scheduled or unscheduled power cuts, breakdown of internal power systems and need for standby power. Business use rented Gensets as a strategic tool depending on the prevailing circumstances.

What do you think are the challenges, risk factors and potential avenues in the Genset market? 

Over the last decade, the use of diesel generator gensets has proliferated as the primary option for reliable mobile, stationary, or temporary on-site electricity. The tightening of emission regulations, environmental concerns and plummeting of renewable energy costs are placing increased pressure on the diesel genset industry. As generator producers and suppliers look to adapt to a changing energy environment, several important technological developments will play a crucial role in shaping future use.

Ongoing infrastructural development across the developing nations following the major investments in the construction sector will propel the 75-375 kVA market share. The generator sets are required for facilitating uninterrupted power source in the construction sector to operate the equipment and job site tools. Moreover, the unavailability of electricity in remote and off-grid locations together with unprecedented storms makes these units a vital source of emergency power supply.

Also, Gas generator sets market revenue is anticipated to rise owing to consumer inclination towards energy security, independence from consumption of fossil fuel and on account of stringent emissions-based regulations. The prime power generator sets market is set to witness over 8% CAGR between 2020 and 2030. Emerging economies are aiming for dynamically improved rates of electrification in turn empowering the mass deployment of these units. In future, the exponential infrastructure development, coupled with mounting urbanization, is predicted to augur well for the diesel generator market.

Hits: 29