|
|
Pratt & Whitney Taps Aircraft Engines for Mini Power Plants
(6/25/2001)India, June 24, 2001–-Pratt & Whitney, the U.S. based aircraft engine manufacturer, is set to introduce aircraft engines as a solution to India’s need for small, mini power plants. The company is eying small power projects in the range of 250 kw-50 mw, including captive plants and regional projects.
Further, International Fuel Cells, Pratt & Whitney's sister company from the $26.6-billion United Technologies Corporation group, is planning to market its fuel cells in the range 50-200 kw for commercial and industrial applications.
Sunder Venkat, director and general manager of United Technologies said: "With a few modifications, our aircraft engines can be used to run gas turbines for smaller power projects. We are looking at offering mobile power solutions for projects requiring power for short durations. We are planning to provide cost-effective power solutions for commercial establishments by marketing our fuel cells from International Fuel Cells."
Pratt & Whitney is hopeful that there will be a boom in small and mini power projects in the country, following the cloud over ongoing mega power projects like Dabhol, Reliance's Bhadravati and Hindujas' Vizag projects.
Analysts tracking the power sector, however, believe that small scale power projects may not be cost-effective for commercial production, due to high input costs and lack of "scale of operations".
Among its other initiatives, United Technologies is bringing to India its auxiliary power units and electrical engine controls from Hamilton Sundstrand, another group company. United Technologies Corporation, which recently set up an office in the country as part of its strategy to increase presence in the Asia-Pacific region, had recorded revenues of $149.5 million in 1999.
