Suzlon's S175 5.0 MW turbine lands first big order: 105 MW from Sunsure Energy

Suzlon Group has landed a 105 MW order from Sunsure Energy for its new S175 5.0 MW wind turbine. The deal marks the first large commercial deployment of the model, which Suzlon launched as its biggest onshore turbine yet.

The order covers the supply and installation of 21 turbines across multiple sites in India. Suzlon will also handle the project's commissioning and long-term operations and maintenance. Sunsure Energy, a renewable energy developer, plans to use the electricity generated for its corporate customers under group captive and open access arrangements.

What the S175 brings

The S175 has a rotor diameter of 175 meters and a rated capacity of 5.0 MW. Suzlon says the design targets low-wind sites, where it can produce more energy per turbine than older models. The company has tested the machine at its own facilities and at select demonstration sites.

This is not the first order for the S175. Suzlon had previously secured a smaller pilot deal. But the 105 MW contract with Sunsure Energy is the first large-scale commercial order. It signals that developers are ready to buy the turbine in volume.

Why this matters

India's wind power sector has struggled with slow project execution and grid connectivity issues. But demand for larger turbines is growing as developers look for ways to cut per-megawatt costs. The S175 competes directly with other 5 MW-class machines from global and domestic manufacturers.

Suzlon has been working to rebuild its market share after years of financial trouble. The company has posted profits in recent quarters and has been winning new orders. This deal with Sunsure Energy adds to that momentum.

Sunsure Energy itself has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The company develops solar and wind projects for commercial and industrial buyers. This order fits its strategy of offering round-the-clock clean power by mixing wind and solar.

Neither company disclosed the financial terms of the deal. Suzlon did not say when the turbines will be delivered or commissioned.

The S175 is made at Suzlon's manufacturing plants in India. The company says the turbine uses a direct-drive permanent magnet generator, which reduces mechanical losses and maintenance needs. Suzlon has been selling smaller direct-drive turbines for years and is now scaling up the technology.

Wind energy accounts for about 10% of India's total installed power capacity. The government has set a target of 140 GW of wind capacity by 2030, up from roughly 44 GW today. Reaching that goal will require faster project development and more efficient turbines. The S175 is one of several new models designed to help meet that target.

Suzlon's order book now includes a mix of the S175 and its older S144 and S133 models. The company has said it expects the S175 to become its main product for onshore wind farms going forward.