First 2 MW turbine installed by Suzlon to supply textiles factory

India's first 2 MW wind turbine has been installed by Suzlon Energy at Sankaneri, 600 metres from the shore in Tamil Nadu. Generating 7.2 million kWh a year, the machine will supply power to Soundaraja Mills, a manufacturer of textile yarn and a repeat customer for Suzlon. With a hub height of 80 metres, rotor diameter of 88 metres, and 42 metre blades, getting the machine to its site over 2100 kilometres of India's characteristically poor roads required a deal of logistical ingenuity. "With narrow roads manoeuvring such a large consignment was a task in itself," says Suzlon's Tulsi Tanti. As well as in India, the 2 MW machine will be marketed in China and Australia.