BHEL signs MoU with GE Power Conversion for development of Integrated Electric Propulsion Systems

29 Apr 2022 , 01:44 PM

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and GE Power Conversion provides a boost to India's indigenous capability in the field of advanced technology for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion Systems.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Rt Jeremy Quin MP, UK Minister of Defence Procurement, Hon British High Commissioner to India, MoD India Officials, Dr. Nalin Shinghal, CMD BHEL ,Renuka Gera, Director (IS&P) BHEL, Syreeta Jeffs and Balaji Parthasarathy, Directors of GE Power Conversion and J.P Srivastava Executive Director (IS) BHEL.

With the signing of the MoU, the expertise and facilities of GE Power Conversion and BHEL can be leveraged for quick induction of this advanced technology, combining indigenous manufacture, by the Indian Navy, which has been at the forefront of Aatmanirbhar Bharat - Make in India programme.

“Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, announced in their Joint Statement on the 22 April 2022 the establishment of a Joint Working Group on India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership with the goal of fostering military and industrial collaboration in maritime Electric Propulsion systems. | am delighted that GE Power Conversion and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd are signing an MoU today as a first step of an exciting collaborative journey for the UK and India."

GE Power Conversion was integral to an Industry-Government partnership which developed the Uk’s world-leading electric propulsion capability currently in operation with our Royal Navy’s Destroyer and Aircraft Carrier fleets. With proven ability to support India’s frontline ships, BHEL and GE are perfect partners for this endeavour.

This collaboration between GE Power Conversion and BHEL, characterises the UK’s commitment to partner with India in support of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme and will, | am sure, be the first of many.” Said the Defence Minister of the UK, Mr. Jeremy Quin.

GE Power Conversion is a world leader in electric propulsion, with equipment installed on some of the latest platforms of the US Navy and the Royal Navy, including the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers.

These systems provide flexibility in selection and layout of power generation equipment and drive elements with enhancement of stealth features and fuel efficiency. Keeping in mind the matured state of the technology and potential for integration, electric propulsion has been identified as a key technology for the Indian Navy on new construction platforms.

At around 11:49, BHEL was trading at Rs54.05 per piece higher by 0.46% on the BSE.