BHEL signs Memorandum of Understanding with GE Power Conversion for development of Integrated Electric Propulsion Systems for Indian Navy

April 28, 2022 - Today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and GE Power Conversion provides a boost to the indigenous capability in the field of advanced technology for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System 

The MoU was signed in the presence of Jeremy Quin MP, UK Minister of Defence Procurement, Hon Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, Mr Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary Defence Industrial Promotion, Dr. Nalin Shinghal, CMD BHEL, Ms. Renuka Gera, Director (IS&P) BHEL, Syreeta Jeffs and Balaji Parthasarathy, Directors of GE Power Conversion, Sh. 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 Atmanirbhar Bharat - Make in India programme.   

“Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, and India, Shri 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. I 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 were 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 are perfect partners for this endeavour. This collaboration between GE Power Conversion and BHEL characterises the UK’s commitment to partnership with India in support of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and will, I am sure, be the first of many.” Said Defence Minister Jeremy Quin.

GE Power Conversion are 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

With decades of experience and a deep understanding of naval requirements and standards, GE Power Conversion have the capability to provide integrated solutions for design, integration, installation, and life cycle support of electric propulsion systems.

BHEL, a central public sector undertaking, is one of India’s largest engineering and manufacturing enterprises in the energy and infrastructure sectors and a leading power equipment manufacturer globally. BHEL has been a reliable supplier of critical equipment and services in the Defence and Aerospace sector for over three decades. Towards this, specialised manufacturing facilities and capabilities have already been set up with the aim of making a major contribution towards self-reliance in Defence equipment production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of Govt of India.

GE’s powerful electrical networks and equipment are capable of supporting a ship’s energy requirements, including propulsion, high-power sensors, service loads and pulse power for defence systems. GE’s dependable naval technologies are shock rated and proven on naval applications from 3MW to 110MW, and include naval electric motors and generators, switchboards, power converters, power management and automation and control systems. GE’s naval centre of excellence teams bring integrated system design expertise, built on deep understanding of naval standards, vessels and lifecycle demands.

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About GE Power Conversion

GE Power Conversion applies the science and systems of power conversion to help drive the electric transformation of the world’s energy infrastructure. Designing and delivering advanced motor, drive and control technologies that evolve today’s industrial processes for a cleaner, more productive future, it serves specialized sectors such as energy, marine, industry and all related services. www.gepowerconversion.com

About GE

GE (NYSE:GE) drives the world forward by tackling its biggest challenges. By combining world-class engineering with software and analytics, GE helps the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today it leads new paradigms in additive manufacturing, materials science, and data analytics. GE people are global, diverse, and dedicated, operating with the highest integrity and passion to fulfil GE’s mission and deliver for our customers. www.ge.com

For more information, contact: Kate Inglis, GE Power Conversion, +44 (0) 7766 991040

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