Q 1. First of all, congratulations for achieving yet another milestone in your growth journey in India. Please share how the experience has been so far?

Being one of the fastest growing economies in the world propelled by sustained economic growth and rise in income levels, India is poised to face significant increase in energy demand in the next few decades. Realising its immense potential, Toshiba Corporation identified India as not only a significant market catering to its domestic demand, but also as a strategic manufacturing base and an export hub owing to its strategic location as the gateway to the Middle East and African countries.

With an already long standing relationship with India’s thermal energy landscape, Toshiba further strengthened this bond in 2008, by entering into a joint venture with the prestigious JSW Group. Long before the Government announcement, Toshiba initiated its “Make In India” strategy Toshiba JSW Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. (TJPS) had commenced commercial operations in 2011 to manufacture and market super critical steam turbines and generators for Thermal Power Plants, thus gearing up the engines for India's path to power. This would not have been possible without the support of Indian government and the Tamil Nadu State Government.

At TJPS, our aim is to become World’s No. 1 EMPCS (Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Construction and Services) company. The Chennai plant of TJPS is Toshiba’s first and the only overseas thermal power plant equipment manufacturing facility, outside of Japan. This factory houses the World’s largest turbine balancing tunnel which is 22 metres long and 10.6 metres in diameter.

In November and December 2015, when TJPS was preparing for the shipment of the Steam Turbine Generator (STG), Chennai and its surrounding areas were submerged due to heavy rainfall. Shortly after, parts of the TJPS factory floor were half submerged in the flood waters and even though safeguards were put in place for the equipment protection, once the water receded, we had to again test the STG, and rectify any faults.

On August 19, 2016, TJPS marked a significant milestone in its endeavour to offer customers state-of-the-art power generations solutions with shipment of its first ‘Made-in-India’ STG. The 800-megawatt STG for Unit 2 of the Kudgi Super-critical Thermal Power Station in Karnataka state is Toshiba’s first large-scale generation system to be manufactured and assembled with locally procured parts and systems, and tested in India. The shipment weighing over 400 tons was a huge logistics challenge but we could execute it successfully with support from Government Departments. This achievement is an important milestone in the Indian manufacturing sector. We at Toshiba, now can be, and will be the power behind every dream for the NEXT INDIA.

Q 2. What are the other projects that the company has worked on?

Toshiba Group initially entered the thermal power market by supplying 2 x 500MW subcritical steam turbines and generators at Anpara B thermal power plant, and consolidated its presence as an undisputed market leader in supercritical steam turbines and generators in the 800MW category in India, having won orders for ten sets in all.

Toshiba also delivered the 5 X 800 MW STGs for Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Power Company Limited, India's largest private sector power utility, for its Mundra UMPP in Gujarat, which is now in successful commercial operation.

TJPS is currently executing 3X800MW STGs for NTPC's Kudgi Super Thermal Power Project 2 x 800 MW Darlipalli Super Thermal Power Project and MUNPL’s 2 x 660 MW Meja Thermal Power project. In 2015 Toshiba was also awarded a full EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contract by UPRVUNL, to carry out 1 x 660 W Harduaganj, Ultra Supercritical thermal power plant, including civil, boiler and BOP island packages.

Q 3. Does Toshiba ensure curbing carbon footprint of a thermal power plant?

India being an emerging economy, a complete expansion of energy generation is very important – not only renewable, but efficient utilisation of thermal power is required as well. With the intent of Indian Government to reduce carbon footprints under National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) the application of new and efficient technologies is mandated. So, in the near future, we expect more and more environment friendly and high efficient projects to be added.

TJPS can be a valuable partner to India’s energy landscape by providing a complete EMPCS of super critical thermal and ultra supercritical power plants and implementing its state-of-art technology to improve the efficiency of the new and existing thermal power plants. TJPS can also contribute to maintaining and improving the efficiency of power plant by proper inspection & maintenance and renovation & modernization upgrading critical turbine components like turbine rotating blades, rotary stationary blades etc. by changing them. Toshiba has the experience to successfully upgrade the existing power plants in many countries.

Q 4. What are TJPS’s strong points compared to its competitors, and what are the challenges TJPS should overcome to leverage its strengths?

With a pedigree of over 60 years of expertise in power and a strong lineage of association with India, TJPS has already established itself as a dominant player in the Indian Power Sector. TJPS is equipped to enhance the energy efficiency of new and existing thermal power plants. TJPS is also offering a “One Stop Solution" covering EMPCS by providing Turnkey solutions for establishing the Power Plants and services after commissioning for continued efficient operation, enhancing the life of plant including Renovation and Modernization.

Toshiba has a state-of-art manufacturing facility at Chennai to manufacture Subcritical, Supercritical and Ultra supercritical Turbine and Generator with Unit capacities in the range of 250 MW to 1000 MW. To keep the high quality equipment cost competitive, TJPS is also continuously improving the manufacturing ecosystem for local sourced components by developing and expanding its vendor base in India.

In addition, India’s biggest asset is its manpower. To contribute to the Government’s Skill India campaign, TJPS has already tied up with the local chapters of Industrial Training Institute to impart on-site skill development training.

Q 5. How important is infrastructure development for India and how can Toshiba contribute to it?

Infrastructure development is pivotal to nation building. We believe that efficient transport system and building infrastructure are the two most important factors for India's progress.

With a pedigree of long experience and technology innovation, Toshiba can be a lead contributor to India's market for power conversion systems and train control systems. For this, Toshiba has established a new production facility in Hyderabad that manufactures electrical equipment for railway systems. Expected to commence production in April 2017, the new unit will manufacture power conversion systems and train control systems that provide overall operation management.

In the building infrastructure business, with an aim to provide world class, energy-efficient and safe vertical transportation systems, Toshiba formed a JV with Johnson Elevators to form Toshiba Johnson Elevators India (TJEI), which has become a dominant player in the premium elevator segment in India.

To consolidate its market position in the mid-to-low-rise segment, TJEI is customizing and designing products especially ‘Made for India’. By combining Toshiba’s comprehensive technological infrastructure developed over 140 years of history with the its Indian partner – Johnson Lifts’ component manufacturing and distribution network, TJEI will offer innovative, state-of-the-art global product range, and will continue to contribute to the growth of industries FOR THE NEXT INDIA.

Q 6. How do you visualize the evolution of India to THE NEXT INDIA?

We expect India to emerge as a dominant world power at the global stage with a strong infrastructure base. Our idea of the NEXT India and the BETTER India includes world class Energy Management infrastructure, strong and robust Transportation & Building infrastructure along with a Clean and Eco-friendly environment.

In the energy sector, Toshiba Group companies in India can offer a complete energy solution – from efficient high quality power generation and EMPCS (Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Construction and Services) solutions, to optimum energy transmission & distribution solutions and reliable energy storage solutions. In the Social Infrastructure area that enhances quality of life, we offer a multitude of products and solutions including – water and wastewater management solutions, world class green elevator solutions for creating smarter buildings and electrical equipment for railways & transportation solutions.

Toshiba is creating values for a better life through its philosophy of “Committed to People. Committed to the Future.” Toshiba is committed to play a significant role and be a partner in India’s growth and development. Only by demonstrating real commitment and similar passion for India, only by walking side by side in camaraderie, only by being genuine and true can one reach the heart of the New India. At Toshiba, we want to be the power behind every great start in this country. Because it’s when technology meets life you’re empowered to unleash your full potential. “Toshiba – FOR THE NEXT INDIA" is our brand promise in India and we want to deliver this commitment through our innovative technologies and expertise in the key energy systems & solutions and infrastructure systems & solutions areas.