DR. FARUK G. PATEL
Q.Dr. Patel, could you provide us with an overview of your current renewable energy projects?
Certainly! KP Group has grown to become one of India’s leading renewable power generating companies. We have 35 companies under our umbrella, with three major ones dedicated to renewables. Our flagship, KPI Green Energy Limited, operates in both solar and hybrid projects as an Independent Power Producer (IPP) and a Captive Power Producer (CPP). We’re also proud to run Gujarat’s largest private solar park. Additionally, KP Energy is involved in wind projects, while KP Green Engineering supports both companies by providing essential infrastructure and key equipment to GETCO.
We are on a mission to install 10 GW of renewable energy projects by 2030. Right now, we’re Gujarat’s top BOP wind solution provider, with a portfolio exceeding 1.8 GW. Our current project portfolio spans more than 38 sites with a total capacity of 4.6 GW, which includes solar and hybrid (solar + wind) projects, as of August 14, 2024. We are also working on additional projects that bring our total to over 2.6 GW.
Q.How does KP Group ensure efficiency and sustainability in your energy generation processes?
Since KP Group’s inception, efficiency and sustainability have been at the heart of our operations. To stay ahead of the curve, we’ve adopted advanced technologies like bifacial solar panels, single-axis sun trackers, and robotic cleaning systems. These technologies significantly optimize energy generation, ensuring our clients see tangible benefits.
In wind projects, we were the first to install wind turbines in South Gujarat, demonstrating our commitment to innovation. Moreover, we focus on optimizing resources and reducing losses throughout the lifecycle of our renewable projects. Whether it’s solar or wind, we manage a wide range of renewable projects, including solar projects in the C&I segment, EPC, wind projects, and hybrid project development.
Our professional team also runs comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) activities, supported by state-of-the-art digital technologies such as SCADA. We ensure continuous 24/7 monitoring through our Network Operating Centre (NOC), preventive maintenance, and fast fault restoration. We’re also proud of the environmental impact assessments and stakeholder engagements that are critical to the long-term success and sustainability of our projects. Our robotic cleaning systems, in particular, have drastically increased efficiency while saving water and reducing overall O&M costs.
Q.What are KP Group’s future expansion plans or upcoming projects?
Just like in the past, we plan to continue expanding aggressively. We are currently working on several exciting projects, including hybrid projects from major players like Aditya Birla, NTPC, INGEL, Ayana, and Apraava. Our C&I portfolio alone has over 100 projects in simultaneous execution.
We have recently secured a 917 MWp IPP solar project and a 100 MW IPP hybrid project from GUVNL. While the work on 240MWp solar project for GUVNL at Khavda, Gujarat is in advanced stages of execution. We also have won 100MW solar project from MAHAGenco, Maharashtra. Hybrid projects are a strategic focus for us as they allow us to leverage our expertise in both solar and wind energy. Our ambitious goal is to achieve a cumulative capacity of 10 GW by 2030. To fuel this growth, we recently raised ?1,300 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), including ?300 crore in the first round and ?1,000 crore in the second.
In addition to solar, wind, and hybrid projects, we are diversifying into green hydrogen. We’re setting up a 1 MW green hydrogen project in Gujarat, which we expect to be operational within this financial year. Also, we are coming up with a new factory at Matar, Bharuch which is going to house Asia’s largest kettle for galvanization and this factory will greatly support our renewable energy engineering requirements.
Q.Are there any upcoming initiatives or partnerships in the renewable energy space?
Absolutely! We are actively working on new initiatives and partnerships. Recently, we signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MahaPreit), the Uttarakhand Government, and the Government of Gujarat through Vibrant Gujarat. These partnerships will not only help us expand geographically but also contribute to the renewable energy targets of various states. On the green hydrogen front, KPI Green Hydrogen & Ammonia recently signed an MoU to advance our work in green hydrogen solutions. This is part of our broader commitment to helping meet global netzero targets.
Q.How does corporate social responsibility (CSR) align with KP Group’s business strategy?
CSR is an integral part of our business strategy. At KP Group, we believe in giving back to society, and our efforts consistently exceed what is mandated by regulations. Through the KP Human Development Foundation, we’ve impacted over 1.25 crore beneficiaries across more than 300 initiatives, spending over ?5.5 crore on humanitarian activities in FY 2023-24. Education is the most focused area that we look forward to by allocating almost 47% of our spending in this sector. Four government and two other adopted schools along with a graduation college for specially abled, is a fine example of the same. KP Human is also building World’s First Old Age Home for specially abled at Bharuch district of Gujarat and will be handing over the project to Disable Welfare Trust of India’s Padmashri Dr. Kanubhai Tailor.
Our CSR initiatives are aligned with sustainable development goals and focus on key areas like education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and community development. By integrating CSR with our business, we aim to create a lasting social impact while continuing our business growth
