Newsletter Final

SPARKLE

Edition-1 | January 2018

KSHEMA POWER
No.34, 1st Floor, Defence Officers Colony, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai - 6000 32

+91 73393 93555 | +91 44-45502340 | [email protected]
www.kshemapower.com

TABLE OF FOREWORD
CONTENTS

01 FOREWORD Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous 2018!
02
03 EDITOR’S SPEAK We have come a long way since inception of Kshema, Our strong position is further reinforced by the
04 for which I like to begin by thanking you. Our journey back-up available from our group educational
05/06 OUR COMPANY PROFILE began with a sole objective to demonstrate our institution in terms of augmenting internal
commitment in meeting our environmental requirements with skilled Engineers, which also
06 POWER TALK responsibilities, whilst also meeting national and continues to grow in strength and capability. Our
07 international clean energy objectives and growth unique synergies between group entities allows us to
IN THE NEWS plan. leverage advantages in resource allocations, training
08/11 Renewable Watch–Auction Impact and personal development.
Exploring New Arenas We are sincerely proud of the continued growth of
DEPARTMENT OPERATION Kshema Power & Infrastructure, from relatively We sincerely hope you, our potential and existing
humble beginnings from the year 1998, to becoming clients, have continued opportunity to experience
PROJECTS ONGOING one of India’s preferred EPC entities in the Kshema’s unique offerings and services in the years
Turnkey Projects Renewable Energy sector and diversified into other ahead.
Solar Power sectors including Education, Power, Healthcare &
Transmission and Distribution Hospitality. In this context, communication is vital. In this effort,
our in-house newsletter initiative is towards
EMPLOYEE BYTES Headquartered in the town of Chennai, delivering encouraging all of you to speak with one another of
Know Your Kshemite projects nationwide to a host of Public, blue chip our hopes, our ambitions, our joys and our
Sense of Belonging and Passion for Excellence private clients and Independent Power successes, for our company and for ourselves, and
Reminiscing Our Trip to Yelagiri Producers(IPP’s). Kshema Power & Infrastructure is thereby strengthen the bond that we share as
New Nest founded on family values, boasts an uncompromising members of a family.
In Memoriam ethic of quality and safe delivery for every customer.
Gallery Kshema Power utilizes pre and post evaluation The times are tough, the turbulence in the wind
procedure as part of its internationally accredited power segment is staggering as a consequence to
Quality, Safety and Environmental ISO’s. Our the feed-in tariffs dropping to an all-time low in the
extensive list of repeat clients is a testament to this industry. However, in hope of a smarter tomorrow,
ethic and we are pleased to see unwavering support renewable energy sector will never lose its throne.
from our client base fuelling our growth story and Wish you all the very best, let’s get Kshema to a
most importantly our loyal supply chain. higher platitude.

We continue to invest in our most important asset, With warm regards
Our People, through continued Professional
Development and Training, and it is heartening to DR. SATHEESH BASANT
enjoy stewardship of a wonderful team of skilled Chairman & Managing Director
professional Leaders and Staff who have been the
driving force.

Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 1

EDITOR’S SPEAK OUR COMPANY PROFILE

Dear Colleagues, The dynamism of the Indian renewable energy society sector is evident from
I take immense pride in presenting to our workforce in India – “Sparkle“, our new e-version newsletter. the constantly changing regulatory, financial, competitive and business
This extensive newsletter will be published every quarter by the employees, for the employees, and of models. Wind and solar power tariffs have fallen steeply, thereby boosting
the employees. This December issue marks the beginning of this dedicated in-house publication that investor confidence in the sector while squeezing developer margins. Such
will be a medium of communication to enable all the employees to get an insight into the happenings of developments have compelled companies to transform their business models
Kshema Power & Infrastructure Company. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the support and to cater to the growing demand for innovation in order to succeed in the
cooperation of our MD, Dr. Satheesh Basant, the CMO, Mr. P. Ramakumar, the CDO, Mr. Kalaivendan, evolving market.
the CFO, Mr. Alex Abraham, the VP, Mr. R. Venkatesh and the other senior management of the Group.
We will endeavor to publish exclusive content by our employees across our pan-India offices. Sparkle Business Model RAMAKUMAR. P
will provide an insight into the business development of Kshema Power for that quarter and bring out Chief Marketing Officer
the innate talents and achievements of our employees. This issue of Sparkle features the work of
employees across different Departments. Sparkle’s objective is to address the shared concern of The company believes that the shift from feed-in tariffs The company is currently in the process of expanding its
diversity in the organization and to bridge the same. to competitive bidding based project allocation is a client scope to include independent power producers
We certainly hope to gain varied perspectives and work towards building a platform to state innovative positive move for the wind power segment. Kshema (IPPs) as well.
ideas. We will strive hard to bring out a publication that enriches our work culture. I fondly hope Sparkle Power’s business model involves building large wind
will enthuse and excite one and all for we have made sure that this will help you control your ecological farms under the capex model and then selling it to Given that the wind power segment in India is dominated
footprint. customers or OEMs, which further sign contracts with by IPP projects and wind turbines provided by OEMs.
I look forward to your feedback and suggestion to embellish our publication further. DISCOMS or end users for power procurement. Our model of developing a complete wind farm and then
Yours, selling the asset stands in contrast. Wind power IPPs
KARTHIKA Kshema Power is in the proves of developing a 400 MW today are experienced with 300-500 MW worth of assets,
wind farm in Tamil Nadu. It is likely to sell the farm on and are aware of the relevant business models and their
2 Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 the winders of the wind capacity auctioned by the Solar comfort zones. Kshema Power believes in providing an
Energy Corporation of India (SECI) in the future. The alternative to IPPs for project development and then
company’s model of building large wind farms helps working in their comfort zone.
developers procure large capacities at a single The company uses a model of continuous investment.
wind-rich location as opposed to developing smaller Given its scope of work, identifying the right wind regime
multi-location wind power projects. To this end, the becomes the most important part of the project
company believes that competitive bidding will be the development process. While this helps the company
preferred route. Kshema Power does not sell its assets meet customer expectations, it also helps keep a
to companies that are looking to offset their internal realistic check on the company’s performance level
power consumption as captive consumption only caters commitments.
to the short-term vision and does not provide enough
returns for such large wind farms. Apart from building Outlook
capacity in Tamil Nadu, the company is developing
projects in newer markets like Karnataka and We are one of the few companies that have aligned
Maharashtra. themselves with the transformation taking place in the
country’s wind power segment. The company is
In the present wind power scenario, there are only a few expected to benefit from the move towards competitive
companies that are capable of providing complete wind bidding as it sells its under-construction projects to the
farm solutions, from land procurement to grid-level winners of SECI’s wind power tenders. Meanwhile, the
sub-station connections. Since the company has been segment stands to benefit from players such as Kshema
operating across the entire wind power value chain, it Power that takes the complete onus of project
enables efficient project execution in stipulated development, thereby increasing the country’s installed
time.Moreover, the company does not sell wind farms capacity. With over 400 MW of capacity under
that have been under development for less than 12 development, the company is working towards
months. This helps create greater project credibility for developing at least 1000 MW of projects every year until
customers, who can expect reasonable returns within 2020.
the given duration. So far, we have worked with only
OEMs in the wind industry such as Siemens Gamesa
and ReGen Powertech.

Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 3

POWER TALK IN THE NEWS

Interview with Renewable Watch–
R. VENKATESAN (VP – Projects) Auction Impact

We know that the market is tough, what do you With sheer hard work and collective effort, Kshema Kshema Power is focusing on three business In the current scenario, it seems as if the industry did
have to say about that? can thrive with flying colours, we have the potential verticals including wind farm development, rooftop not expect tariffs to fall to such drastically low levels.
for it, we just have to use the opportunity. and grid-connected solar power plants, and power So, with the impending second 1,000 MW tender by
The renewable market itself is in turmoil. With transmission and distribution projects. Its work the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), there is
companies going as low as 2.64 in reverse bidding, Were you ambitious in life? What would you advise portfolio includes about 2500 MW of capacity still some skepticism regarding prices. We feel that
other players are vicariously being affected in the your colleagues and your subordinates? distributed across Tamil Nadu. Madhya Pradesh and while the bids were aggressive in the first auction,
due process. Kshema is also facing the heat, Kerala. We have about 900 MW of wind power they are going to remain at similar levels for the
however, we believe that when the going gets tough, Never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is projects under development at various stages in impending second tranche as well.
the tough get going. We are venturing into new worth it. Karnataka Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
arenas diversifying our operations, not restricting to Yes, I’ve always been ambitious, I make the best of It is important for SECI’s initiatives to be
just the renewable sector. We are entering what is offered. One must have ambitions in life Kshema Power’s experience in the business has complemented by the states. However, except Tamil
unchartered waters, we are positive about sailing without which, I believe, life gets monotone and been a mixed bag. We have witnessed a sharp Nadu and Gujarat not many states have come
through with the good guidance, perseverance and fruitless. change in the existing industry practice, which will forward to take it up. So, the question arises as to
hard work. prove to be good given the rise in energy consumers where the future wind capacity is going to come
Would you say ‘you are where you are’ because of and the challenge to keep the cost to lowest levels from, beyond the already saturated wind power
What are challenges we are facing regularly? How hard work or God or do you have another person to possible. Getting the right kind of land and ensuring states. Meanwhile, we are developing projects worth
do you propose we overcome it? thank? smooth grid connectivity have been some of the 500 MW in Maharashtra and about 380 MW in
primary issues in the wind industry. What makes it Karnataka, which are both good wind states. But the
One major concern is having to meet the project cost I would say, all three helped. One should not just even more challenging is the fact that these need to investors do not seem to be quite convinced
proposed. With the market being this unstable, deals trust in God and leave it entirely to him. God helps be addressed during the short duration of the project regarding this. This will, however, change with
that were already negotiated are taking a hit. those who help themselves. I have my mentors and completion schedules specified in the development growing capacity addition.
Customers are reluctant to give turn-key projects, my family to thank, for supporting me through the guidelines.
rather prefer to break up the scope sheet with a challenges and hardships in both my professional Our recommendations to the MNRE are that it
number of vendors to optimize cost. We are and personal life. While IPPs are optimistic about the way the market should look at enforcing state-specific directions for
diversifying into new businesses in the transmission has turned around, only the execution of the projects investors to get greater clarity on bids. Further, given
and distribution vertical. Our recent wins with the Ten years down the lane, where do you see will really determine the commercial sense of these that each state has a different wind regime, there is
IPDS project is an example of the same. Kshema? projects. This is important because when it comes to a need for state-specific guidelines that can help
the physical execution of the project we have seen projects become more attractive.
If everything can reset in a day, what would be the Adaptability is key, Kshema is constantly changing high-cost overruns at multiple locations. For
change you want to see at Kshema? with the trends in the market. Our ultimate aim is to example, in the case of Tamil Nadu, there have been Contributed by Ramakumar. P, published in
list Kshema as a public company by the year 2021. If cost overruns at multiple location. For example, in Renewable Watch.
I’ve noticed that we lack in efficient communication, we keep up with achieving 1000MW yearly, we should the case of Tamil Nadu there have been cost
professional approach with the client, and being be able to get there soon, as anticipated. overruns because the actual and costs are much
proactive in anticipating the challenges. In the time different from those available on paper. Moreover,
of crisis, I urge everyone to put their best foot down they are issues with respect to the right-of-way and
and assume responsibilities. access to the lines. Despite these risks and
challenges, the new trends in the wind power
4 Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 industry are going to be project allocation and tariff
determination through reverse bidding and
innovation to optimize the project execution process.

Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 5

Exploring New Arenas PROJECTS ONGOING

Grid Integration Plans Solar Rooftop Turnkey Projects viii) Elsol - Islamic Madrasa (Rasheed) – Kerala
Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning
Unlike the power generation methodologies, the Renewable Frontrunner, Harvesting The Sun i) Siemens Gamesa –Thennampatti – 600 MW & Kay- of 45 kW Grid connected solar power system.
distribution technology for the same power has athar – 300 MW - TN
never ceased to evolve. A few decades back what was With instability and power outages in each state, 1) Land & Pathway Aggregation ix) For Dr. Beena Paul – Kerala
there as an anticipated delivery technology, now solar rooftop forms an essential part of the smart 2) 230/33KV Pooling SS Construction Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning
became a reality in no time. To transport electricity cities development programme, with a mandatory 10 3) 8 Wall Foundation of 10 kW Grid connected solar power system.
from source to destination, one requires a percent of power to be procured from this source. 4) Platform & Access Road
combination of sub-stations, transformers, towers, 5) 33KV Line & DP Yard x) Muthulakshmi Water Plant - Dindigul
cables and piping based on its location and Its popularity grows as the choices are umpteen in 6) WTG Commissioning Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning
associated needs. Such transmission and this domain. There are grid-connected systems and of 30 kW Grid connected solar power system.
distribution infrastructure should possess the invertor backed-up systems for performance ii) ) Orange Renewable / Siemens Gamesa – TN – 200
capability to withstand extreme weather conditions flexibility, and the option of CAPEX or OPEX for MW xi) Wilbro Green Energy - Kerala
and other hurdles. investment flexibility. Load consumption should be Design, supply, testing, erection and commissioning of Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning
matched with the capacity of the installation and the 220 KV DC line, 220kV Double Circuit line on DC tower of 12 kW Grid connected solarpower system.
Kshema gives a supporting arm for all the excess output can be managed either through a net using ACSR Zebra Conductor for a length of 24 KM
transmission and distribution projects with its metering or backed up with inverters. Transmission and
quality infrastructure development capabilities. iii) Malayala Manorama – Palakkad –10 MW Distribution
Kshema Power adheres to all the standards, fulfils As the awareness in catching on to the benefits and 1) Foundation
client requirements and exceeds the expectations certainty on self-installed systems, it is 2) Platform & Access Road xii) Energon – Karnataka
every single time. complimented with a pack of competitors. This 3) 33KV Line & DP Yard Turnkey contract for Design, Supply, Erection of 220 kV
would be the right time to venture into and take 4) WTG Commissioning Power Evacuation System consist of 2 times 60 MVA, 220
DEPARTMENT OPERATION advantage of the growth in the Solar rooftop. Not only kV Station, 21 KMs of 220 kV and 120 kV Extension.
is this business opportunity attractive, but because it Solar Power
WRA, A wind resource assessment campaign presents a wide canvas of opportunities. Kshema is xiii) Urban electrification at Bhopal
tapping into this stream of business presenting Ground Mounted 33/11 kV Line, Execution, Transformation and Installation
The first stage of the wind resource assessment Construction, Electrification works, Operation and of Meters for MPMKVVCL.
campaign is identifying wind energy project sites. A Management. iv) Keltron – Kerala
leading consideration is usually the wind resource, Supply & Installation of Solar PV Module mounting xiv) Urban electrification at Dewas
which may be estimated using wind maps and pub- The first goal is the desire to make maximum use of structure of 500 kW, Control Room, Transformer Yard, 33/11 kV Line, Execution, Transformation and Installation
licly available wind data. Once a candidate site is the land under the developer’s control. Second, there and Module cleaning system at the proposed site. of Meters for MPPKVVCL.
selected, much of the wind monitoring campaign is the desire to maximize the capacity factor, or
design and, subsequently, the wind project design average output as a fraction of the rated capacity. v) Siemens Gamesa - Hattigudur – Karnataka – 50 MW xv) Urban electrification at Indore
can be carried out in a virtual environment. The third goal is to minimize the plant installation Evacuation and Substation of 110 KV EVH Line & PSS 33/11 kV Line, Execution, Transformation and Installation
cost. Also, the layout must satisfy the myriad of Meters for MPPKVVCL.
The general objective of a wind monitoring campaign regulatory requirements. vi) Siemens Gamesa - Somanahalli – Karnataka – 15
is to obtain the best possible understanding of the MW xvi) Mytrah Energy – Tamil Nadu – 250 MW
wind resource from the top to the bottom of the Challenges in Wind Resource Assessment: Climate Evacuation and Substation of 66 KV EVH Line & PSS 1) 220kV 2x150MVA SS Construction
turbine rotor and across the project area, consistent predictions and inclinations of wind resources are 2) 10km Transmission Lines
with the project’s budget and schedule. This is tentative as the changing climate. The studies are Rooftop 3) GIS – Substation at Power Grid
achieved by placing meteorological towers and based on the wind measurements for previous years
ground-based remote sensing systems in appropri- and for a particular site, and while the studies vii) Gee Bee Hotel & Resorts Pvt Ltd - Kerala xvii) Siemens Gamesa – Karnataka
ate locations and obtaining a sufficient amount of accommodate the fact that the year in which the Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commission- Erection and commissioning of 63 MVA, 110/33kV Nirlooti
data to characterize the resource. measurements were taken may have been a ing of 30 kW Grid connected solar power system. Substation
particular good or bad year, there is no guarantee
6 Sparkle Edition 1- Jan 2018 that there will not be substantially less wind in the Sparkle Edition - Jan 2018 7
future.

Contributed by Indhu. M

EMPLOYEE BYTES - Sense of Belonging and Passion for Excellence
EVENTS OF THE QUARTER
Our management thought it was essential to host an event to
Workplace chatter, even the idle kind, inculcate a sense of belonging amongst colleagues to enhance work
increases productivity. culture, corporate mannerisms, and etiquettes. The session was to
also instil passion for excellence to invoke personal development and
- Dr. Pentland, the Toshiba Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at to smear negativity out of the equation.
MIT and the faculty director of MIT’s Digital Life consortium, and
Benjamin Waber, a doctoral candidate at the MIT Media Lab. This might sound serious, but that wasn’t the case. The presenter,
Dr. Abhishek Tiwari, author of ‘The Untold Secrets of Sales’, kept
Congratulations the two-day session casual and informal. The session was lively,
thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. Everyone was actively
MR. ALEX, for being listed in Solar Quarter’s involved and on their feet. All thanks to Mr. Mahender and Mr. Balaji
(November Issue-11, 2017) ’50 Most Powerful CFOs for putting this together.
in the Solar Market’. We are glad to have you
onboard. Reminiscing Our Trip to Yelagiri

Know Your Kshemite To get a break from responsibilities, a two-day trip to Yelagiri was put together. We were really excited, so much so
that we planned every second of the trip starting from the bus journey.
Interview with V. SREHARI, HR Admin What are the changes you’ve seen over the years?
Our bus departed at 7:00 am. Our trip started off silent, it took a while for
Know your colleague - Socializing with and getting Back when I had joined, there were only 8-9 everyone to lose the formal façade. A few minutes in, we realized that the
to know your colleagues will help you to employees in the Head Office. Kshema has built its silence was calm before the storm. From the start of the journey itself, we had
communicate better, trust each other more and work scope of activities and has progressed in the field some splendid moments of friendship, team bonding and a sense of
better together. People who are happy at work are having taken up more functions. New targets are set togetherness.
more productive, more creative and more successful every week and many milestones have been
overall, so remember to smile at your co-workers achieved. We were not expecting such a trip to build the relationship among colleagues.
today! This really helped extend the unity to work towards a single goal. We took a
How was your trip to Yelagiri? What surprised you break at Yelagiri Resort which was really a mesmerizing place filled with
How do you find Kshema and how has your journey the most and what would you say was the highlight greenery, we felt closest to nature.
been thus far? of the trip?
Yelagiri is a small hill station. As the view from the summit is spectacular, it attracts trekkers from all over India. The
Let me on the outset, thank our MD for reposing The one-day trip not only gave me a rare opportunity weather was splendid, drizzling with a gust of wind, our joy knew no bounds. We played cricket in the midst of this
confidence in me and guiding me in all my sphere of to mingle with our employees at all levels but weather. We felt like even the stumps, bat and ball argued for their own masters. Apart from this, we had a fabulous
activities. Every day has been challenging and in the unleashed my latent talents. I was made to talk moment in the muddy loam playing with each other. Even in the darkest of the night as it rained, we managed to get
learning curve, time management has been crucial. without any inhibition. The team building activities, together around the bonfire!
I’m confident that with the perseverance and grit, I including trekking, cricket, indoor games led to
shall overcome all difficult situations and I would like unravel my core competency and I look forward to This Trip was not only for getting us together but also to improve
to thanks my colleagues for helping me discharge such activities to further my innate talents. ourselves as a team. These days, team collaboration has never been
my duties. more important in the workplace, but getting it right isn’t easy. When an
organization lacks collaboration and teamwork skills, it often ends up
8 Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 functioning as a collection of silos.

Inconsistencies, narrow viewpoints and competition between groups will
eventually result in lost opportunities—and lost money. So our company
has implemented programs to encourage quality teamwork by
rewarding groups for good performance. This trip really helped to reduce
the pitfalls and enhanced understanding among each other.

Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 9

The second part of our trip began with the realization of a quote by Gallery
Hippocrates. “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” Of course, trekking!
We walked through the woodlands where we felt like we were a part of Official T-Shirt Presentation GETs - UKF College of Engineering
nature and each other. We shared the pain and fun of the long walk. A Chennai Team Training Session
few of us tumbled down but the team was always ready to lend a hand to
anyone in need. It was perfect harmony. We were also accompanied by a
pet dog that was given a lot of care and attention. He guided us the entire
time and the trip would never have been complete.

The trip taught us something which is valuable throughout life. We are
eagerly waiting for our second trip.
-Govind.B, Meeras Nair, Nandu.J.B, Pradyu.R, Sarath Kumar.S,

Tittu Shaji.

New Nest

Kshema is expanding in all forms! We have recently
purchased a building of our own for setting up Kshema
Corporate Office in Defence Colony, Ekkattuthangal.
The objective was to have everyone under one roof to
improve efficiency and for better coordination. The
efforts of Chitale and Sons, and Touchstone are going
into giving the building a corporate vibe. This
three-storeyed building must be ready for us by
January.

Yelagiri Trip

In Memoriam SCM Team

Condolence Message Chennai Team

SANJAY SHARMA We deeply regret to inform you all about the sudden demise of Mr. Sanjay
Executive – Liasoning Sharma – Executive – Liasoning, Ratlam.  His death was caused due to
sudden illness and was admitted in the hospital at Ratlam and he
Ratlam passed away on 28th August 2017 at around 7.00 PM in hospital.

He was a very sincere and hardworking employee.  His contribution for
timely commissioning of Ghatia Projects will always be remembered.

On his untimely death at the young age of 25 years, we understand the
grief and we express our heartfelt condolences. let us all pray the
almighty God to give his family the strength to beare the sudden shock
and may his soul rest in peace.

Contributed by Mahender CP

Tirunelveli Team Training Session Yelagiri Trip
Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018 11
10 Sparkle Edition 1 - Jan 2018