BHEL signs landmark technical agreement with GE, boosts Make in India initiative

In a major development for India’s power sector, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has secured a technical assistance and license agreement with General Electric Technology GmbH Switzerland.

The partnership will enhance BHEL’s capacity in manufacturing and supplying GE-design gas turbines, reinforcing its position as a market leader in India.

The agreement was sealed by BHEL’s Director (Engineering, Research & Development) & Director (Finance – Addl. Charge), Jai Prakash Srivastava, and Theodoros Stamatiadis, Executive Counsel (IP), GE Power. The ceremony was also attended by BHEL Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Nalin Shinghal, and several other senior officials from both companies.

BHEL has been a longstanding supplier of GE-design gas turbines, having delivered about 230 units to customers at home and abroad since 1986. This new agreement will extend BHEL’s manufacturing rights to include uprated and new gas turbine models.

A key aspect of this agreement is its alignment with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. BHEL will leverage the agreement to produce state-of-the-art gas turbines and their spares at its Hyderabad facility, promoting indigenous manufacturing and boosting the country’s self-reliance.

In addition, the agreement will facilitate BHEL’s contribution towards India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions. It enables BHEL to supply gas turbines that can run on eco-friendly fuel blends like hydrogen, methanol, and syngas. This will also support India’s transition to renewable energy, given the role of aero-derivative gas turbines in balancing the grid against the backdrop of the nation’s ambitious renewable energy targets.