“Generator set business will go up by $1.5 billion to $2.6 billion by end of 2015 in India due to power shortage,” says Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation
 Though the Indian power sector witnessed huge growth during the past decade, there are several roadblocks that need to be addressed to accelerate the growth. While highlighting some of the roadblocks, Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation comments, “India’s power sector requires several policy interventions and a holistic approach to overcome the current power crisis within the country.”
There is a high demand supply gap. According to Central Electricity Authority (CEA), as on June 2015, all-India generation capacity stood at 275 GW. Despite the efforts to generate more electrical energy by using multiple energy sources, the country has recorded a shortage of 3.6 per cent of demand in FY15.
Another key focus area should be effective utilisation of natural resources used for power generation and implementation in technology of solar power, wind power, renewable energy sources, Farrokh points out. He adds, “Addressing the high cost of power for industry and providing standardised rate as cost of power in Maharashtra is higher compare to Goa or Karnataka.”
However, the recent announcements to boost the renewable energy sector and increasing domestic production of coal exemplify Government of India’s efforts to improve the power situation. According to International Energy Agency (IEA) 2015 outlook, India would need an investment of $100 billion a year to boost its energy sector – development of power plants, refineries, grids and gas fields.
Exploring opportunities in troubled timesCommenting on impact of roadblocks upon his business sector Farrokh says, “Generator set business will go up by $1.5 billion to $2.6 billion by end of 2015 in India due to power shortage. Demand for components required for power generation business will also witness growth. Cooper is looking at getting into solar power along with effective use of power on the shop floor.”  Encourage solar power equipment manufacturersIndia has to embark on a very aggressive strategy for power generation. Power generation is critical for economic development and requires immediate attention. This includes focusing on alternative source of power generation. Suggesting the immediate short term measures to be taken to revitalise the sector, Farrokh says, “Government should encourage solar power equipment manufacturers to make equipment at affordable prices. Another key focus area should be the infrastructure which requires considerable modernisation. On account of outdated infrastructure, power loss which includes power theft and percentage of transmission loss is very high.”
Suggestions to ensure sustainabilityWhile suggesting long term measure for sustainability, Farrokh suggests, “Decentralising power administration and reducing administration cost, introduce low cost power generation equipment by using natural resources and tightening of environmental norms to keep a check on the pollution level will be important in meeting India’s energy demands. Also the major infrastructure issue lies in distribution, with weak distributions network and large parts of India not yet covered by the distribution system.”
On a long term basis, he adds, “Have a national grid so that power can move across the country. India cannot deliver inclusive development without adequate and affordable power on demand.”

“Generator set business will go up by $1.5 billion to $2.6 billion by end of 2015 in India due to power shortage,” says Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation
 Though the Indian power sector witnessed huge growth during the past decade, there are several roadblocks that need to be addressed to accelerate the growth. While highlighting some of the roadblocks, Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation comments, “India’s power sector requires several policy interventions and a holistic approach to overcome the current power crisis within the country.”
There is a high demand supply gap. According to Central Electricity Authority (CEA), as on June 2015, all-India generation capacity stood at 275 GW. Despite the efforts to generate more electrical energy by using multiple energy sources, the country has recorded a shortage of 3.6 per cent of demand in FY15.
Another key focus area should be effective utilisation of natural resources used for power generation and implementation in technology of solar power, wind power, renewable energy sources, Farrokh points out. He adds, “Addressing the high cost of power for industry and providing standardised rate as cost of power in Maharashtra is higher compare to Goa or Karnataka.”
However, the recent announcements to boost the renewable energy sector and increasing domestic production of coal exemplify Government of India’s efforts to improve the power situation. According to International Energy Agency (IEA) 2015 outlook, India would need an investment of $100 billion a year to boost its energy sector – development of power plants, refineries, grids and gas fields.
Exploring opportunities in troubled timesCommenting on impact of roadblocks upon his business sector Farrokh says, “Generator set business will go up by $1.5 billion to $2.6 billion by end of 2015 in India due to power shortage. Demand for components required for power generation business will also witness growth. Cooper is looking at getting into solar power along with effective use of power on the shop floor.”  Encourage solar power equipment manufacturersIndia has to embark on a very aggressive strategy for power generation. Power generation is critical for economic development and requires immediate attention. This includes focusing on alternative source of power generation. Suggesting the immediate short term measures to be taken to revitalise the sector, Farrokh says, “Government should encourage solar power equipment manufacturers to make equipment at affordable prices. Another key focus area should be the infrastructure which requires considerable modernisation. On account of outdated infrastructure, power loss which includes power theft and percentage of transmission loss is very high.”
Suggestions to ensure sustainabilityWhile suggesting long term measure for sustainability, Farrokh suggests, “Decentralising power administration and reducing administration cost, introduce low cost power generation equipment by using natural resources and tightening of environmental norms to keep a check on the pollution level will be important in meeting India’s energy demands. Also the major infrastructure issue lies in distribution, with weak distributions network and large parts of India not yet covered by the distribution system.”
On a long term basis, he adds, “Have a national grid so that power can move across the country. India cannot deliver inclusive development without adequate and affordable power on demand.”