Efficient energy solutions to ensure a better tomorrow

Since its inception, MAN Diesel and Turbo has been at the forefront of developing energy solutions that are ahead of their time. The German company takes pride in having created the world’s first diesel engine.

Recently rechristened as MAN Energy Solutions, the company is now set to move ahead in a new direction. Global CEO Dr Uwe Lauber and India MD Rakesh Mathur elaborate further on the company’s revolutionary initiatives.

Sustainable energy generation solutions
“We are committed to offer energy solutions that are customised to every client and every location,” says Dr Lauber. “We also take into account megatrends, like decarbonisation. Decarbonisation and digitalisation have heavily impacted the market environment. Major nations around the world have committed to decarbonisation as a way of combating climate change effectively.”


According to Dr Lauber, today’s youngsters are becoming more aware about the environment. “We need to be aware of emissions and pollution, so that the next generation can also enjoy the planet. We don’t want to simply produce energy aimlessly, but also protect the Earth by being emission friendly,” he says.

“Being in the shipping industry, we are aware of the emissions by large ships driven by our engines. To make a positive impact on society, we need to move towards decarbonisation of fuels,” he adds.


Overcoming obstacles
Dr Lauber says that while decarbonisation needs to be addressed on priority, it also costs money. “The market also demands shorter lead times. We need to develop quality products and solutions that can be priced similarly, since the transport industry is highly competitive. Short-term thinking has no place in the energy sector. If you’re in the business of power, you know that effectively controlling costs without compromising on longevity is a decisive competitive edge. MAN Energy Solutions will provide you with solutions that give the economic flexibility you need,” Dr Lauber explains.

“Going forward, power generation is moving from diesel-based power plants to hybrid power plants. Small decentralised hybrid plants hold the key. It is also necessary to accelerate the development of renewable energies such as wind and solar power. Viable and cost-effective solutions to store excess power in times of oversupply, and installing back-up plants in the event of supply shortages, must also be established. This can even be substituted with synthetic fuel for a truly sustainable, carbon-neutral solution to generate energy,” he says.

From India to the world
“For us, it’s clear that India plays a significant role in our company strategy, because we want to offer solutions locally. The steam turbine facility that we have in Bengaluru is used for renewable energy generation, like biomass application and geo-thermal application. This unit is a centre of competence for smaller frame steam turbines, of 30-50 megawatts. We want this facility to be a hub, not just for the Indian market but also for Asia and Europe. To turn this vision into a reality, we need good leadership at the helm. Rakesh Mathur, who has recently joined us, has made a lot of changes and motivated people to take the company to the next level,” Dr Lauber says.

Elaborating further on these changes, Mathur explains, “We aim to channel the energy of people in India and improve the quality of life. Through our various initiatives, across our plants in Aurangabad, Bengaluru, Vadodara and Mumbai, we seek to address relevant areas and bring in the right values for the next generation.”