Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel), the country’s largest power equipment maker, has zeroed in on

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GE Energy as technology partner to make wind electric generators in India.

Bhel and GE officials will start talks this weekend on floating a joint venture, equity contribution and technology transfer apart from setting schedules for the project. These negotiations are likely to be spread over the next 2-3 months, a Bhel official said.

Bhel chairman and managing director BP Rao did not wish to divulge the name of the prospective technology partner citing a confidentiality agreement. He, however, said issues on complete transfer of know-how and design were yet to be finalised. The final decision is expected in the next 2-3 months, he said.

The company official said GE Energy was identified as potential partner out of a number of companies including Siemens and Alstom that were keen to partner with Bhel.

Bhel had in December invited expressions of interest from global original equipment manufacturers for transfer of technology under a paid-up licence. The company said the collaboration could take form of a joint venture depending on negotiations with the selected partner.

GE Energy is one of the leading wind turbine suppliers with more than 13,500 installations worldwide. The company last year announced plans to set up a wind turbine generator plant in Chennai. The plant is likely to start production by the end of this year.

Bhel proposes to make wind generators at its Ranipet facility near Chennai. At present, the company makes boiler auxiliaries like electrostatic precipitators, fans and air pre-heaters at Ranipet.

With the agreement, Bhel seeks technology transfer to design, manufacture, assemble, erect, commission, service and retrofit wind electric generators.

Suzlon Energy dominates Indian wind turbine market and is the fifth largest player globally. International companies like Vestas Wind Systems, Pioneer Asia Wind Turbines, and NEG Micon of Denmark are also present in India.

Wind power potential in India is estimated to be 48,500 megawatts. India is today the fifth largest in terms of wind power capacity and power generation from wind is expected to contribute to around 3 per cent of the total energy demand by 2020. Till June 30, 2010, India achieved a grid interactive wind power capacity of 12,000 megawatts.