Saarthi Greentech Unveils First Factory in Pune to produce Hydrogen Fuel Systems that aim to reduce Fuel Consumption and Carbon Emissions in an Indo- Australian collaboration.

Saarthi GreenTech, an Indo-Australian clean-tech company, has proudly announced the grand inauguration of its state-of-the-art factory in Chakan, Pune. In first phase of its operation the 10,000 sq. ft production unit will manufacture approximately 1,00,000 units annually. The K series Hydrogen Fuel Systems will be available in different variants like K20, K30, K40, K50 corresponding to the engine capacity they support. Their patented electrolyser-based Hydrogen Fuel Systems, a cutting-edge technology, converts diesel-run engines into hydrogen-based hybrids instantly, leading to a remarkable reduction in fuel consumption and harmful emissions.

This factory represents a significant step forward for Saarthi GreenTech, making it India’s first manufacturing & assembly unit for Saarthi GreenTech’s innovative products to be sold in India as well as exported to global markets like Australia, Middle-East, Africa & the USA. Saarthi GreenTech’s current investment of approximately One Million Australian Dollars underscores its commitment to driving sustainable solutions and pioneering advancements in clean energy technologies.

The Indo- Australian innovation was inaugurated by Mr.Paul Murphy, the consulate general of Australia accompanied by Ms.Malini Dutt, A/g Trade and Investment Commissioner – India, Investment NSW, along with leaders of Saarthi GreenTech – Mr. Alok Kumar, Co-Founder, Saarthi GreenTech, Karunjit Kumar Dhir, Co-Founder Saarthi GreenTech and other industry veterans. They were also joined by Mr.Abhishek Goyal of BLR Logistiks, Mr. Balamurugan KGS of TransPra and Mr. Malcolm Dsouza & Mr.Santosh Ingalkar of KSH Distriparks as some of their esteemed guests for this inauguration ceremony.  

Mrs. Nandani Kumar, MD for Saarthi GreenTech in India said, “The entire team at Saarthi GreenTech is passionate about leveraging technological innovations to reduce pollution & overall carbon footprint of the industries that heavily depend on the usage of the fossil-fuel, especially diesel. We are driven by a single focus to make this world a better place for our future generations by giving them a cleaner & greener world.”

Mr. Alok Kumar, Co-Founder of Saarthi GreenTech said, “After having invested years into this technology & project, the inauguration of the factory marks a significant milestone in our journey to reduce fuel consumption and carbon footprint. Our patented technology and strategic investments reflect our dedication to revolutionizing the clean-tech landscape and addressing pressing challenges in the automotive and industrial sectors.”

Mr. Karunjit Kumar Dhir, Co-Founder of Saarthi GreenTech expressed his gratitude to the InvestmentNSW & the government of Australia for being very encouraging & helpful in enabling them to forge this Australia-India collaboration. He also mentioned, “Our world needs practically feasible energy transition solutions today that can accelerate the decarbonization journey for the industries and world economies, thereby reducing our carbon footprint rapidly. We can neither replace the fossil-fuel based vehicles currently running on roads overnight nor wait for years for greener alternatives that are affordable, and therefore Saarthi GreenTech is our little personal endeavor in this direction to solve this challenge today.”

Saarthi GreenTech is India’s first homegrown manufacturing company decarbonizing and solving the challenge of accelerating the transition of commercial automotive industry from diesel to hydrogen-based hybrid.

Saarthi Greentech’s robust research and development infrasucture across India & Australia, coupled with strategic customer outreach initiatives, is revolutionizing the hydrogen economy piece in the overall clean-tech landscape. With it’s India headquarters based in Pune & Australia Head Office in Sydney (NSW), Saarthi Greentech is pioneering in revolutionizing the need for decarbonization in the automotive, mining, construction, marine, power generation, and industrial sectors.

Cummins Group in India to showcase the industry-first fuel-agnostic platform at SIAT 2024

Cummins Group in India (“Cummins”), one of the leading power solutions technology providers in the country, is participating in the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2024 in Pune. Aligned with its Destination Zero™ decarbonization strategy, Cummins is set to showcase Made in India, industry-first, next-generation fuel-agnostic platform, along with the innovative Single Module™ Aftertreatment system at the event.

Destination Zero™ is Cummins’ strategy to go further and faster in minimizing the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products. Anchored in its commitment, Cummins is pursuing a dual-path approach – acting today to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines while simultaneously investing in the development of new, zero-emissions products, to help customers navigate through the energy transition.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Anjali Pandey, Chief Operating Officer, Cummins Group in India further emphasized, “As an industry leader, Cummins recognizes its crucial role in addressing global climate challenges. We understand that transitioning to a decarbonized future is not a light-switch event and will require multiple solutions. Hence, we are continuously investing and innovating to develop technologies that align with our commitment, ensuring our customers’ success today while contributing to a more sustainable tomorrow. Our showcase at SIAT 2024, reflects our versatility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the transportation sector.”

The products that will be on display at the symposium (Stall 46 and 47) include:

Next-gen, industry-first fuel-agnostic platform

Cummins will showcase its innovative fuel-agnostic platform at SIAT 2024, demonstrating an effective way to reduce emissions, across various fuels. In the pursuit of decarbonization, it is imperative to bring various powertrain technologies that leverage the available low and zero-carbon fuels. This approach provides end users with options and flexibility to select fuels based on infrastructure availability thus optimizing the economics of transportation operations.

The fuel-agnostic architecture of this platform utilizes a common base engine, with the application of innovative technologies like a Direct Injection Fuel System, two-stage turbocharging, overhead cam, closed crankcase ventilation, and pent-roof cylinder head design. Additionally, it features Cyber Security and Functional Safety Compliant Control Modules tuned for specific fuels such as diesel, natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen. This platform ensures diesel-like performance across fuels, enabling OEMs to offer multiple fuel types with minimal product modification, and expediting market entry at the most optimum cost.

At the SIAT 2024, Cummins’ fuel-agnostic platform concept will be demonstrated through:

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine

The Cummins Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine represents a significant stride towards sustainable and cleaner energy solutions in the automotive and industrial sectors. Leveraging the power of hydrogen as a clean fuel source, this innovative internal combustion engine operates with lower emissions. Combined with green hydrogen, it produces zero CO₂ emissions from well-to-wheel. During the event, Cummins will showcase solutions specifically designed for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. These solutions highlight the engine’s ability to support decarbonization across a wide range of duty cycles.

Natural Gas Engine

Natural gas engines present a reliable and effective solution for reducing emissions while maintaining strong performance. With well-established credibility as an alternative power technology, these engines align with India’s vision of increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030. To achieve this vision, substantial investments are planned for the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure. These investments will further enable the adoption of natural gas engines supporting the government’s long-term objectives.

Latest generation diesel

The latest-generation advanced diesel platform, which has a strong foundation of nearly 700,000 Euro VI, low-emission engines will be exhibited. These advanced diesel engines, further optimize fuel efficiency, enabling customers to achieve lower GHG emissions while enhancing power and torque.

Single Module™ Aftertreatment System 

Cummins is also showcasing its ultra-high efficiency aftertreatment system 9-inch (0.229 Meters) Single Module™. This innovative system is up to 70% smaller and 40% lighter compared to systems with similar architectures. It offers improved NOx conversion efficiency that removes over 99% of all particulate matter (PM) by weight and count. The product is optimized with a liquid-only, freeze-robust UL2.2 dosing system, which significantly improves reliability. ‘Made in India’ with over 70% localized components, this product readily adapts to a variety of applications as it is available in catalyst diameters ranging from 5.66 inches (0.144 meters) to 13 inches (0.330 meters).

About Cummins Group in India: 

Cummins Group in India is a leading provider of integrated power solutions for the industrial and automotive sectors. The Cummins Group operates in India through sixteen legal entities. With a wide-ranging portfolio, the group is engaged in designing, manufacturing, distributing, and servicing diesel and natural gas engines and powertrain-related component products, including filtration, after-treatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, transmissions, and electrified power systems. Further, with the acquisition of Meritor, Cummins Group has expanded its portfolio in India to include drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket, and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicles, and industrial markets. The Cummins Group has a remarkable presence with 22 manufacturing plants, assembly, and distribution facilities and employs over 10,000 employees in India.

Two -day CII NexGen Mobility ~ auto-expo inaugurated at Pune

At a time when India is transitioning to newer technologies and fuels,  alternative mobility will present a huge opportunity for manufacturing.India also has the opportunity to be a global leader opined various experts at the CII NexGen Mobility Show – Expo and Summit organised by CII at Deccan College Ground in Pune from 15-16 December 2023.

The Expo was inaugurated in presence of Sanjay G. Kolte IAS, Chief Executive Officer Pune Smart City Development Corporation Ltd, Mr Arvind Goel , Chairman, CII WR Taskforce on Future Mobility & Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd, Dr Sudhir Mehta,Past Chairman, CII Western Region & Chairman & Managing Director, Pinnacle Industries Limited and Founder & Chairman EKA Mobility,  Mr Kiran Acharya, Vice Chairman, CII Pune Zonal Council and Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer Sandvik Coromant India Ltd, Dr Arup Basu Managing Director Greaves Cotton Ltd, Rajesh Kapoor Senior Director, CII Western Region, Mr. Rajnikant Behera Executive Director,RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd and Ms Sulajja Firodia Motwani Founder and CEO Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Ltd among others among others .

More than 100 exhibitors representing domestic and international brands are participating  at the first CII NextGen mobility Expo at Deccan.Slated to be one of India’s largest NexGen mobility shows in the western India, the show is focussing  on four broad areas including  ‘Electrifying Mobility’, ‘Clean Tech for Fuel of Future’, ‘Mobility and Vehicle Design’ and ‘Urban Mobility’ among others. Technology Forums, Display featuring Futuristic and Concept Vehicles along with Interactive Tech Demos and Product Launches will present immense opportunity for domestic and global networking opportunities. The show has participation from leading companies as well as local state bodies.

Mr Arvind Goel , Chairman, CII WR Taskforce on Future Mobility & Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems in his welcome address said that the auto industry constitutes more than 40 percent of the manufacturing sector . The major transition that is happening will bring huge opportunities for the industry. Localisation and export of components will have far more importance for electric vehicles in future .

Dr Sudhir Mehta,Past Chairman, CII Western Region & Chairman & Managing Director, Pinnacle Industries Limited and Founder & Chairman EKA Mobility said that this is the single important manufacturing opportunity in our country . This is also a chance to be a global leader . As we surge ahead with alternative fuels , over the next decade India will be the single largest EV market in the world outside China .  Alternative mobility will have a great impact .The numbers are mind boggling and all the stakeholders need to come together, we have an opportunity not only to produce for India but also for every country .

Dr Arup Basu Managing Director Greaves Cotton Ltd said that the conference captures four themes of the future . Increasing urbanisation puts a different set of  challenges on administration and that is a key determinant in terms of  what mobility challenges we have . Taking about access to energy,he said there is a bigger social dimension as it marks a milestone of achievements for individuals and family . There is a big subject sitting beneath this in terms of  mass affluence, mass affordability and mass ambitions and  how do we fulfill these energy requirements with mobility being one of the key markers.

Sanjay G. Kolte IAS, Chief Executive Officer Pune Smart City Development Corporation Ltd, said that we are embarking on a new journey for future  mobility for Pune . As a smart city mission we are trying to make mobility reliable, safer, smarter, affordable  and holistic . Taking about PMPML he said that currently 67 percent of our bus fleet plying in the city is  on CNG and 23 percent on electric and only.10 percent on diesel which will be phased out in coming years . A good beginning has made and this will go a long way in making transport comfortable, safe, reliable and sustainable for commuters .

Mr Kiran Acharya, Vice Chairman, CII Pune Zonal Council and Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer Sandvik Coromant India Ltd,  in his concluding address of the inaugural session said that every technological evolution may come with some kind of disruption . This also.will make us  think about sustainability .

Some of the state-of-the-art mobility solutions unveiled at the show include e-Powertrain Products, e-Drivetrain, Engine Cooling Solutions, Battery Thermal Management System, Electronic Solutions, and precision-crafted Suspensions tailored for future ready vehicles. The show is  one of India’s largest NexGen mobility shows in the western India.

Decade of Change: PIC Online Climate Conference 2022

Pune International Centre (PIC), is an International Think Tank based in Pune, engaged in Public Policy research and analysis. PIC is hosting a Virtual Conference this week titled ‘Decade of Change: India in the Climate Challenged World’ on 18^th and 19^th February 2022. Prof Amitav Mallik, Trustee, PIC is the Convener for the Conference.

Pune’s very own Mr Ravi Pandit, the Chairman of KPIT Technologies, will be giving the Keynote Address and Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Delhi will deliver the Valedictory Address. The Two-Day Online Conference will be organized by the PIC’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change (EECC) group. The Conference will have 4 online sessions, 2 sessions on each day. It will bring 21 distinguished speakers with diverse experience and deep expertise together. The Concluding Remarks on the first day will be delivered by Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, President, PIC and the concluding remarks on the second day will be by Dr Vijay Kelkar, Vice-President, PIC. 

Today the ‘Planetary Well-being’ and ‘Human Survival’ are both facing their biggest challenge of Global Warming and the resultant Climate Change. The number of weather-related disasters to hit the world has increased five-fold over the past 50 years and this figure will keep increasing year on year if we don’t change the way our world works. It is clear that what humanity does within this ‘Decade of Change’ will determine the fate of next generations. Building upon the PIC Climate Economic Conference held in January 2021, this year’s conference will explore what the ‘New Future’ looks like in a decarbonized world moving toward ‘Net-Carbon Neutrality’ and how to enable it. The PIC Climate Conference, February 2022, will try to provide momentum towards restoring humanity’s relationship with nature by presenting what ‘Changes’ are required for creating an environmentally friendly and environmentally responsible World.

The conference aims to bring together scholars, experts, economists, environmentalists, businessmen, concerned citizens and youth voices to address these pressing issue of our times. The conference includes themes like India’s challenges and opportunities in this decade, Converting promises to Action and Climate Action Pathways to 2050. The last session will be a Panel Discussion focusing on Targets India should set for 2030. 

Prof Amitav Mallik, the Convener of the Conference said that “There is a Promise and Peril in our future. The promise comes from the new proven low carbon technologies and policy making approaches such as ‘Doughnut Economics’. However, converting promises to action will require strong political resolve, comprehensive planning, and flawless execution along with global co-operation. The peril lies in not being able to adapt but also in the kind of society that might emerge if our values and institutions do not change as Climate change becomes more severe…” Please visit PIC website to register https://puneinternationalcentre.org/ 

Wärtsilä India appoints Venkatesh R as Managing Director & Director, Energy Business, India

Mr. Venkatesh R, Managing Director & Director, Energy Business, India.   

Wärtsilä India, a subsidiary of the technology group Wärtsilä Corporation, has appointed Mr. Venkatesh R as the new Managing Director & Director, Energy Business, India.   

Mr. Venkatesh comes with 30 years of experience in the Marine and Energy sectors. During his career in Wärtsilä for over 25 years, he has worked in India, Singapore and Finland managing various strategic roles. His latest role with Wärtsilä has been as Area Director for Middle East Asia based in Singapore.  

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Frederic Carron, Chairman, Wärtsilä India Private Ltd and Vice President, Middle East & Asia, Energy Business said, “Venkatesh has an outstanding career spanning over 30 years in the industry. We are confident that his experience in Business Strategy & Transformation, Project & Contract Management, and Quality & Operational Development will further facilitate profitable growth for Wärtsilä in India. We look forward to utilizing his expertise and experience in taking the company’s goal and vision forward.”  

“I am honoured and excited to lead an organisation with such a rich legacy, filled with dedicated and passionate individuals. I look forward to enhancing Wartsila India’s market leadership with innovative life cycle solutions and accelerating the Renewables and Decarbonisation journey, propelling the business to greater heights.” commented Mr. Venkatesh on his appointment. 

In India since the early 1980s, Wärtsilä has contributed immensely to the Power segment of the country. Wärtsilä has 35 years of experience in providing complete lifecycle power solutions for the Indian Marine & Energy markets. Wärtsilä has more than 500 employees in India and has delivered around 250 power plants to India with total output of over 3500 MW. In the Marine market, Wärtsilä has delivered a broad range of solutions to various marine segments, including Navy, Coast Guard, Port Trusts, Merchant Shipping, floating cranes and offshore rigs. 

Wärtsilä and LUT University Joint Study emphasises investments in flexible generation technologies for India’s energy transition towards 100% renewables by 2050

The technology group Wärtsilä and Lappeenranta-Lathi University of Technology (LUT) in Finland recently carried out a first-of-its-kind power system study exploring a carbon neutral power system across India by 2050.

India is currently faced with an energy trajectory that includes multiple imperatives: sustainability, energy access across the country and energy self-sufficiency, while most importantly driving and sustaining rapid economic growth. This joint study by LUT University and Wärtsilä highlights the importance of a cost optimal and carbon-neutral power system in India by 2050. The study analyses the development of the power system in a Best Policy Scenario, in which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reach zero across the power sector by 2050 with comprehensive adoption of sustainable energy and flexible technologies.

Commenting on the study, Mr. Pieter Hokkeling, Director, Growth & Development, Middle East and Asia,Wärtsilä Energysaid, “Wärtsilä’s team of power system modeling experts have systematically invested in building world class knowhow on modeling and analyzing the long term environmental and economic impacts of the energy transition, and the need for flexibility in power systems with high shares of renewables across the world. This study focuses on understanding the value of flexibility in power systems beyond the limited scope of pumped storage hydro plants by integrating ICE (Internal Combustion Engines) and storage technologies (batteries and synthetic gas) in achieving a 100% renewable powered system. The study highlights that India stands to gain economically and environmentally by completely shifting towards a renewable powered electricity mix, with flexible technologies providing system reliability”.

Professor of Solar Economy, LUT University, Dr. Christian Breyer on collaboration with Wärtsilä said, “We feel proud to partner with Wärtsilä and contribute our expertise to this strategic modeling exercise. The research determined an economically viable pathway to a carbon neutral Indian power system by 2050, with electricity as the major energy carrier. The findings of the study have clearly resonated with Wärtsilä’s vision of 100% renewable energy future. By combining our work with that of Wärtsilä, this research has turned out to be an eye-opener.”

The study’s key findings include:

·         Total LCOE on average is around 3120 INR/MWh (39 €/MWh) for 100% RE in 2050 in comparison to the total LCOE of 6000 INR/MWh(75 €/MWh) in 2020

·         The total installed capacity grows massively from about 400 GW in 2020 to around 4,000 GW by 2050, an increase of 10 times in the next three decades

·         The share of coal in electricity generation drops from 68% in 2020 to near zero by 2050 as cost effective renewables emerge as the predominant source of electricity generation

·         Gas engines (ICE) have a share of 1.1% in electricity generation in 2050, driven by higher efficiency and lower cost, with the vital role of providing peak supply and balancing

·         The installed electricity storage capacity will increase from about 22 TWh in 2030 to around 95 TWh by 2050. Storage output covers around 35% of the total electricity demand in 2050, of which 99% is contributed by batteries alone

·         The results of the power system transition across India indicate that GHG emissions can be reduced from nearly 1,166 MtCO2eq in 2020 to zero by 2050 across the power sector and enable the country to achieve its climate goals

·         The power transmission capacity increases by more than six times from 2020 to 2050. The cross-state electricity transmitted reaches close to 12% of the total electricity generated in 2050,indicating a key role for the development of transmission and distribution grids.

The study highlights urgent and continuous need for additional investments in renewable capacities and flexible technologies such as storage and ICE – for maintaining system reliability. Moreover, the study also underscores the importance of strengthening regional and interstate grids, mainly to reduce renewable curtailment and improve exchange of power across the country .Having said that, lots needs to be done on the ground to achieve carbon-neutral power system by 2050, including streamlining policy and regulatory framework at the national and state level and setting-up a balancing market for procurement of right kind of ancillary services during the time of need by the system operator.