The recent purchase order for 200 GenSys prime power systems from WTTIL, the tower arm of Tata Teleservices, serves as the first and most critical step in capturing a substantial portion of the large and growing opportunity to implement fuel cell solutions in India. A tremendous success for Plug Power, this agreement marks the largest commercial contract in Plug Power’s history.
Plug Power’s prime power GenSys is the ideal energy solution for this booming telecommunications market. Currently, 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas lacking reliable grid power, but the Indian telecom market has only penetrated approximately 13% of this region. Throughout rural areas of India, telecom towers are expected to grow at a rate of 50,000 units per year.
With a payback time of less than two years, Plug Power’s GenSys systems replace diesel generators and provide primary power where grid power is unreliable or non-existent – places like rural India. Our product is approximately twice as efficient as a traditional generator and reduces carbon dioxide emissions up to 90%.
Plug Power’s relationship with Tata is as significant as the purchase order they issued. Representing 10% of the Indian telecom market, Tata has earned a reputation as a technology leader committed to sustainability. This relationship sets the stage for Plug Power to continue building a strong customer base within the Indian telecom community.
“WTTIL is pleased to partner with Plug Power for the installation of fuel cells in our network,” said Col. Ramanand, Chief Operating Officer of WTTIL. “Not only is this a “green” solution for telecom sites in India, but also addresses the need for continuous power, particularly at locations in the country where power supply is not available.” Ramanand continued, “In addition to this, the cheaper cost of power enables us to differentiate our offerings to the customers. I am excited at the prospects of installing these fuel cells in our network and look forward to increasing the numbers in the near future.”