Suzlon adds 350 MW of Wind Energy Capacity in Brazil

Suzlon Group, the world’s fifth largest wind turbine maker, today announced that it has successfully completed installation and commissioning of over 350 MW wind energy in Brazil spread over 16 month period ending Nov 2014 with bulk of 309 MW being added in Calendar Year (CY)2014.

This combined capacity includes projects located in the high wind states of Rio Grande do Norte & Ceara in Brazil. The installations comprise of 150 WTGs of Suzlon’s proven S9X product series – S95 & S97 and 18 WTGs of Suzlon work-horse of S88, both with rated capacity of 2.1 MW.

In all, the above 168 WTGs were distributed amongst three major clients representing Banks/Financial Institutions/Funds and EPC/Construction Companies in Brazil. Wind Farms with Suzlon machines continue to demonstrate highest Capacity Factor in Brazil over the years. According to Operador Nacional do Sistema Electrico (ONS), the national grid operator of Brazil, amongst the top ten Wind Farms for the period Dec 2013 to Nov 2014, the first five slots and the eighth slot are occupied by Wind Farms with Suzlon machines.

The three projects will contribute towards reducing Brazil’s carbon footprint by eliminating approximately 0.54 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per-annum. The 350MW projects completed will light up ~0.1 million households in Brazil with clean energy.

Suzlon forayed in the Brazilian market in the year 2008 and since then has a cumulative installed capacity of approximately 750 MW. The earlier projects of approximately 400 MW are also located in the wind resource rich State of Ceara, Brazil. Suzlon was amongst the few global wind energy players to identify and harness Brazil’s wind energy potential which was at a nascent stage in 2008.

Suzlon’s S9X suite of turbines - S95 and S97 are engineered to harness the optimal available wind resources and deliver higher energy, productivity, improved serviceability which in turn ensures higher ROI to customers. The S9X series is part of the Suzlon’s reliable 2.1 MW product platform which has been successfully installed across the globe with an operational fleet of 6.8 GW.

Speaking on the project completion, Mr Tulsi R. Tanti, Chairman, Suzlon Group said:  “The successful completion of projects in Brazil is a testimony of Suzlon’s value proposition and customer’s confidence and trust in our end to end solutions offering.  We are focused on high growth & emerging markets and Brazil is a key geography of our growth strategy. With our wind energy solutions, Suzlon is committed to contribute to Brazil’s energy basket by reducing its carbon footprint thereby mitigating Climate Change risks.”

About Suzlon Group:

The Suzlon Group is ranked as the world’s fifth largest* wind turbine manufacturer, in terms of annual installed capacity and market share in 2013. The company’s global spread extends across Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa and North and South America with 25,487 MW of wind energy capacity installed, operations across over 31 countries and a workforce of over 10,000. The Group offers one of the most comprehensive product portfolios – ranging from submegawatt onshore turbines at 600 Kilowatts (kW), to the world’s largest commercially-available offshore turbine at 6.15 MW – with a vertically integrated, low-cost, manufacturing base. The Group – headquartered at Suzlon One Earth in Pune, India – comprises Suzlon Energy Limited and its subsidiaries, including Senvion SE.

Prestige Launches Six Mega Residential Projects in Bangalore

Bangalore: , India, 25th February 2015 -- Prestige Group, India's leading has launched six premium residential developments - Prestige Pinewood, Prestige North Point, Prestige Woodside, Prestige Woodland Park, Prestige MSR and Prestige Bougainvillea, in Bangalore.

Speaking on the occasion, Irfan Razack – CMD, Prestige Group said, "In South India, the residential sector witnessed a strong demand across all segments in 2014 and this trend is continuing into 2015. Testimony to this is the fact that Prestige recorded the highest ever pre-sales in the residential segment in the last quarter alone. There is massive scope in the residential segment, especially in the mid-segment/affordable housing sector, which picked up in demand in 2014, and has continued in the same vein this year. I expect the luxury and premium segment also to grow radically in 2015."

"All six developments are premium offerings in great locations that provide the best of amenities, while featuring beautiful architecture complemented by extensive landscapes." he added.

Prestige Pinewood

Located in Koramangala (Jakkasandara), Prestige Pinewood is a high-rise residential development. Koramangala, situated in the heart of the city, is one of the most sough-after residential areas in Bangalore, at close proximity to IT hubs and recreational zones. The development is located on a prime land of 2.5 acres, facing roads on all four sides, thus allowing an abundance of natural light and ventilation to filter through. The property comprises of premium 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK apartments. A well-integrated Clubhouse is closely knit within the towers with modern amenities such as a mini theatre, banquet hall, gymnasium, billiards and table tennis room, a swimming pool and a spa. The building façade is contemporary with straight lines and an imaginative use of understated colors and textures that complement the name 'Pinewood'.

Prestige North Point

Located on the main Kammanahalli Road, North of Bangalore and spread across 1.43 acres, Prestige North Point is a mixed-use development, with a single elegant high-rise tower, which is designed to emerge as a landmark building on completion. The ground and first floors are exclusively designed for 12 retail units.  23 floors of apartments have been planned above the retail block. Most of the apartments have been designed such that the living/dining and bedrooms face the street side.  All 184 apartments are Vaastu compliant and have been designed to allow maximum natural light and ventilation.  The 2 and 3 BHK apartments range from 1252 sqft to 1972 sqft. The retail space and the apartments are spread over approximately 3.14L sqft of saleable area. The Clubhouse is spread over two floors with all modern amenities - indoor games, indoor badminton and squash courts to keep active and fit, billiard, table tennis, a separate reading room and a party hall for get-togethers during special occasions, weekends and holidays. A swimming pool with a separate kid's pool for the little ones is located on the second floor. Facing the pool is a well-equipped gymnasium with a separate steam, sauna and Jacuzzi

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Prestige Woodside

Primarily an orchard, Prestige Woodside is located at Avallahalli Village, Yelahanka Hobli Bangalore North Taluk, off Doddaballapur Road and spread across four acres. The development is located near prominent schools like Nagarjuna Vidyaniketan, and reputed colleges like BMS Institute of Technology. Being an orchard, the property has numerous trees with thick foliage including tamarind and mango trees. Prestige Woodside is a premium row housing project designed to give the feel of a Villa. The design is a compact G+1 unit with common sidewalls. The units have adequate front and back open yards that add to the depth of each unit and enhance the concentration of light and ventilation. The spaces are extremely well crafted to give a choice of 3 BHK, standard 4 BHK and a larger 4 BHK residence. The overall development is Vaastu compliant. The entire property has 138 Villas and a Clubhouse that houses the services apart from the Club Facilities.

Prestige Woodland Park:

Located on the Banaswadi main road, approximately 5.5 kms from M.G. Road, Prestige Woodland Park is a private residential community spread across 1.52 acres. It comprises of 166 residences in two towers, with a configuration of 18 floors each. Parking is provided at two levels for a total of 198 cars, meeting all resident and visitor requirements of the Prestige Woodland Park community. Recreation facilities are provided under Tower 01 over 2 levels - creating a venue for all ages and associated activities. The Clubhouse provides all community facilities such as a Laundromat and recreational facilities like party halls, an indoor games area and a squash court and gymnasium. On the sustainability front, rain water harvesting systems have been proposed in order to take advantage of the water run-off from the terraces and podium. Latest technological advancements such as solar powered lights, energy saving light fittings, sensor controlled lighting, etc. for the common areas have been proposed to allow for the most efficient use of electricity as well as capturing the naturally available solar power on the site.

Prestige MSR

Located in the bustling suburb of Mathikere, Prestige MSR is a high-rise residential development spread across 37,000 sqft, featuring one tower of one hundred exquisitely designed apartments.  The development offers 2, 2.5 and 3 bhk residences. The layout and overall planning has been done in a manner to ensure that every apartment has exclusive views of the exterior, in order to maintain the privacy and identity of every unit. The layout of the block works around a central atrium that allows for light and ventilation into the lobbies and other common circulation spaces. The larger 2.5 and 3 BHK units have been placed at the corners whilst the 2 BHK apartments are located in the centre of the block. A Clubhouse provides a myriad of luxury lifestyle amenities including a gymnasium, party hall and swimming pool. These amenities are present at the rear of the building in order to provide privacy from the main road and the building traffic movement, which is restricted to the front of the building. Visitor parking is provided on the ground floor while residents' parking is allocated in two basements - reducing vehicular movement on the ground. This project is focused on efficiency in design and the outcome is a building which packs in a staggering 100 units, 110 car park spots and a comprehensive set of amenities over 14 floors.

Prestige Bougainvillea – II (Platinum and Indulge)

In a time where we see more concrete than greenery, Prestige Bougainvillea - II stands as a reflection of Bangalore's old world charm infused effortlessly with a new age touch. Nestled in about 2 acres in the heart of Whitefield, Bougainvillea - II has three types of spacious, high-end bungalows. Each villa is designed to maximize exposure to light and open spaces, with lush lawns on two sides, and the rooms conveniently opening out to them. Double height spaces opening out onto the garden, facilitate free circulation of light and air, thereby opening up the space dramatically. The Hurley Club, spread across four floors, provides activities for people of all ages and is the perfect place to host a small party. With an entire floor dedicated to health and fitness, it is just the place for avid fitness buffs. For those that seek entertainment, there is a fully equipped floor with a theatre and rooms for billiards and cards. The roof-top swimming pool is the highlight and promises to be relaxing and rejuvenating. Bangalore is a city where old-world culture has beautifully amalgamated with new-age lifestyle… Bougainvillea II is designed as a testament to that same attitude.

Bengaluru to host BuildConstruct India from March 19

Bengaluru will host a three-day construction, interiors and property exhibition “BuildConstruct India” from March 19 at Manpho Convention Center, Hebbal.

The exclusive event will bring together all stakeholders and segments of the industry and will also be conducted in other major cities of Western and South India.

Hundreds of building material, construction equipment, interiors and related product suppliers and major vendors are expected to participate in the event. Over 15000 strong B2B audience comprising of builders, architects, engineers, consultants, designers, fabricators, HNI and NRI purchasers are expected to attend the event. The exhibition will be set in an environment conducive to business promotion and trade, for end users.

BuildConstruct India will also have concurrent shows like the Furniture & Interiors National Expo (FINE'15) and the Property & Realty Expo (PRE'15).

The exhibition will be an opportunity for all those related to the building and construction industry (from the conception to the finished product stage), to interact under one roof. The mega event is being organised with the support of relevant government authorities, professional associations and industry.

The displays and demos will focus on new launches, energy-efficient and cost-saving products, equipment and technologies.

BuildConstruct India is organised by Strategic Trinity Events, a Champions Group Company; an event planning and promotion service provider with years of experience in the field.

Ashiana Housing bags CNBC Awaaz award as most promising realty firm

New Delhi: Ashiana Housing, the leading developer known more for their middle income housing and senior housing in the country, has been awarded with “The most promising company of the next decade” by CNBC Awaaz during the recently held Act for Good Governance summit in New Delhi.

Vishal Gupta

Ashiana Housing managing director Vishal Gupta received the honour in the presence of top corporate and political leaders.

Commenting on the award, Vishal Gupta said, “Ashiana Housing might not have got selected for the return it has consistently provided to the investors over the years, but for the bigger reason is ‘we care’. We care for our customers, we care for employees and we care for our country.”

“At Ashiana, we follow a culture and now it is in our veins, to look after our customers and employees like our own family. Our entire efforts are tuned to provide utmost comfort to our customers and a sense of satisfaction to ourselves. This is what makes us different from rest of the world,” added Gupta

The Act for Good Governance Summit is an initiative to bring various stake holders from society on a common platform and bring good governance from government’s corridors to boardrooms.

Ashiana Housing is the only brand from reality sector which received the award for its commitment, deliverance and setting up a role model for reality sector, a release said.

In the past also Forbes' has rated Ashiana among Asia's 200 Best Under a Billion Dollar Companies twice in a row (2010 & 2011). Also, the company has been honoured with Zee Business RICS Award, CNBC Awaz Real Estate Award, CREDAI Real Estate Award, Rajasthan Govt’s Bhamashah Award and BMA Seigwerk award etc., the release added.

Is E-commerce Replacing Physical Retail In India?

India's retail market value was estimated at $520 billion in 2013, and is expected to grow to $950 billion by 2018. With a CAGR currently pegged at 13%, the Indian e-commerce market is expected to grow the fastest within the Asia-Pacific Region – with its market size doubling every 2-2.5 years. This certainly gives us reason for deep introspection. While the global growth rate of online shoppers is estimated at 8-10%, India currently has more than 10 million online shoppers.

Anuj Puri

Though 70% of India's e-commerce market is related to travel (flights, hotel bookings, etc.), electronics and apparels are by far the most important categories in terms of sales. The key driver Indian e-commerce is the rapid increase of broadband internet penetration, which is growing at a whopping 20% every year. The rising standards of the mushrooming middle-class with high disposable incomes, coupled with the urban influence on rural aspirations, have led to an exponential growth of the internet culture in India.

This is very pertinent to the Indian retail sector. The internet has given Indian consumers access to a wide spectrum of products and services, even in places where brick-and-mortar shopping complexes have not reached. Also, the availability of a much wider range of products when compared to physical retail stores, coupled with relatively lower prices, is driving demand for online retail. With the evolution of the online marketplace, sites like Flipkart, Snapdeal, OLX and Jabong are thriving and more and more Indians are buying goods online.

E-commerce in India took off with a deluge of portals, including many focused on travel, media and jobs. The governments’ drive to open the sector for FDI in B2B business via the automatic route and bring e-commerce to the centre stage has caused a number of major players to venture into India. Today, Ebay, Amazon, Expedia and some serious Indian players are giving these physical retailers a run for their money.

Flipkart and Snapdeal’s recent fund-raising exercise put paid to the argument that investors are moving away from Indian e-commerce. The change in government and the stride of positive sentiment across the nation has led to growing faith in India and Indian business models. The governments’ initiative to simplify regulations and make India a business-friendly nation is definitely benefiting e-commerce.

Today, manufacturers and retailers running brick-and-mortar stores are anxiously asking the government to intervene with the creation of a regulatory body to stop e-retailers from undercutting prices. Physical retailers are definitely feeling the heat by the marketing blitz of their online counterparts, and the question of whether e-commerce is pushing out brick-and-mortar retailers looms large.

Many big companies are rising to the challenge and adopting smarter strategies to guard their turf. The likes of Tata, Future Group and Reliance are expanding their reach by foraying into e-commerce via alliances with leading online players. Indian retailers have clearly read the writing on the wall. As the competition grows, an omni-channel approach to delivering a unified and consistent customer experience is the new watchword.

Improving the overall experience is the avenue to success. Regardless of whether we’re talking about e-retailing, traditional brick-and-mortar retailing or a combination of both, the winners in this new steeplechase will have to evolve their offering to meet the needs, wants and desires of consumers. Retailers will increasingly have to offer services through various mediums.

However, e-commerce is still unlikely to completely replace or even seriously dent physical retail in this country. For Indians, malls are more than just shopping destinations – they are getaways from the humdrum and constraints of their day-to-day life, and mall developers have been catering to this dynamic by creating shopping complexes that offer retail, entertainment and dine-out option under a single roof.  This is not a combination of offerings that even the slickest e-commerce operator can hope to compete with. 

‘Experiential Retail’ is the holy mantra of the Indian shopper, and in the years to come, every mall across the country will do everything it can to turn the whole shopping experience into an entertainment experience

Anuj Puri

The writer is the Chairman & Country Head, JLL India.

Real Estate 2015 to bring more good news to home buyers

The year 2014 has been quite fruitful for the real estate sector in India in terms of business sentiments. The real effect of many of the policies and amendments announced in 2014 will take effect in 2015, says Anuj Puri, Chairman and Country Head of Jones Lang Lasalle, India.

Starting from Union Budget FY2014-15, where affordable housing was considered on par with infrastructure, to relaxation of rigidity in the Land Acquisition and Real Estate Regulatory Bill, the Indian real estate sector is receiving consistent doses of energy, he says.

Also, REITs are to hit the market at last, and only a few details need to be sorted out before they get the funding wheels spinning. The winds of change are now blowing more perceptibly and 2015 will definitely be a good year for the real estate sector on three counts:

The threat of inflation has completely submerged, and borrowing rates are to go down. Property prices staying stable and good deals being offered by developers in order to clear their inventory, fence-sitting home buyers will be finally encouraged to press the ‘buy’ button.

Economic activity is gradually picking up, and the GDP growth is to reach 6.5% y/y in the next financial year - FY2015-16. As per few reports from recruitment agencies, corporate India will be hiring more of talent due to the rising business activity in 2015. Put together, this means a very favourable market for both residential and commercial real estate.

The developers are finally coming in with the kind of supply that is relevant to demand. They are now largely focusing on affordable homes. This will go a long way to bridge the existing wide gap between demand and supply of affordable homes, Puri concludes.

Selling non-performing assets to improve cash flows

As real estate scenario in many Indian cities continue to be grim, cash strapped developers have to fight hard to get adequate liquidity to launch new projects or complete the on-gong projects in time. 

Several developers with huge land holdings are unable to launch new projects with their own limited capital, and hence look for partnership with better-funded real estate developers or those eyeing for development opportunities in an asset-light project by offering them development rights.

In such a situation, incoming developer can build a smaller project while the main developer liquidity by allowing multiple partners in their large land parcel. This improves cash position by bringing them money as part of joint venture developments, or if the incoming partners buy smaller pieces of the big land parcel.

Also, developers are generally interested to sell off land parcels which they do not want to develop in the near future due to financial constraints, says, Kishor Pate, CMD - Amit Enterprises Housing Ltd..

Developers opt for partnership in the following ways:

1.     Through joint venture development: – The incoming partner develops and sells the project, while the main developer gives away development rights but retains the ownership of land.

2.     Selling partial land holdings for township developments:  Developers sell smaller pieces of land from the main land to many small developers to execute smaller projects to create a township project.

3.     Outright sale of land: - Developers sell lands which he is not intend to develop in the immediate future to big developers to get rid of his non-performing assets and solve their liquidity crisis.

Effect on Home Buyers

On the face of it, jointly developed project may not have any impact on buyers on monitory point of view. However, However, of the original developer of the township project gives developing rights to multiple developers, then, buyers should be more vigilant for quality variations. On the positive side for buyers, the main developer may offer discounts in buildings falling in his own share if his cash constrains were the reason for the partnership.