In today's rapidly changing energy landscape, Suzlon Energy has emerged as a global leader in wind energy solutions. From its humble beginnings in 1995, founded by Tulsi Tanti in Pune, India, the company has grown to become one of the world’s top wind turbine manufacturers. Join us as we explore Suzlon’s journey, its achievements, and the challenges it continues to face.

Suzlon Energy began as a textile company struggling with high electricity costs and power outages. Tulsi Tanti, the founder, sought a solution to secure a stable power supply and ventured into wind energy production. His motto, “Think Big,” led to the creation of Suzlon Energy in 1995, which would go on to become a global wind turbine manufacturer.

In its early years, Suzlon focused on providing comprehensive wind energy solutions, including project execution, site development, and operations and maintenance services. The company strengthened its technical expertise by collaborating with Suedwind Energy GmbH, a German wind energy leader. By 2000, Suzlon had installed its first wind turbines in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, surpassing 100MW in installed capacity.

Suzlon’s commitment to innovation and sustainability led to rapid international expansion. In 2003, the company introduced its first indigenously developed wind turbine generator, marking a milestone in its journey. Suzlon also acquired Hansen Transmissions and Germany’s Senvion, further solidifying its global presence. Today, Suzlon operates in 17 countries, with over 13,060 wind turbines installed across six continents.

Over the years, Suzlon has faced several challenges:

• High Debt Levels: Suzlon's high debt has significantly impacted its profitability and ability to invest in new projects. In 2021, the company's borrowings totaled ₹6,800 crore, prompting a rights issue to raise ₹1,200 crore to reduce debt.
• Operational Challenges: Delays in project execution and increased costs have affected Suzlon's ability to deliver projects on time, hindering overall performance.
• Competition from Chinese Firms: Chinese companies have posed a significant challenge by offering lower prices, making it difficult for Suzlon to compete on cost. However, Suzlon maintains a strong presence in the commercial and industrial segments.
• Grid and Land Availability Issues: Suzlon has faced problems with grid and land availability, leading to project cancellations and complicating project execution.
• Impact of Founder’s Death: The death of Tulsi Tanti in 2021 was a major loss for the company. As the visionary behind Suzlon’s success, his absence raised concerns about the company’s future direction.

Suzlon has worked to overcome its challenges, resolving debt issues and improving operational efficiency. By restructuring its debt and selling off earlier acquisitions, the company remains a key player in the wind energy sector. Suzlon’s journey reflects the power of innovation, sustainability, and the vision of its founder, Tulsi Tanti, and as the world focuses on clean energy, Suzlon continues to drive the future of wind energy.