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This week's edition covers the growing ties in renewable energy between India and Europe, Airbus’ and Schaeffler’s expansion in India, and more must-know news.
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Rise of the Week: Growing Ties in Renewable Energy
India is already the 3rd largest producer of renewable energy globally (see issue #5 of India Rising). Recent partnership announcements between German and Dutch companies and their Indian counterparts, along with new agreements between industry bodies, signal strengthening ties in renewables between India and Europe. A collaboration with vast opportunities for both regions.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) and SolarPower Europe brings the Indo-European solar industry closer together. Both organisations represent their respective regions' solar industries and aim to diversify solar supply chains while expanding collaboration in manufacturing.
With policy-level partnerships in place, private businesses are moving quickly to capitalise on these strengthened ties. German company Select Energy GmbH and Juno Joule Green Energy from India signed a MoU to invest USD 1.3 Billion (INR 10,000 Crore or EUR 1.15 Billion) in a state-of-the-art green hydrogen and ammonia plant in Andhra Pradesh.
According to Times of India, the export-oriented site will include:
Subject | Target | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
Total investment | USD 1.3 Billion | |
Production capacity | 180 kilo tonnes per year | In 3 phases reaching full capacity by 2029 |
Functionalities | Desalination plant, solar, hydropower and wind powered electrolysers, port-connected pipeline | State-of-the-art facility |
Compliance | EU RFNBO norms met | EU Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin |
Job Creation | 5,000 - 6,000 | Direct and indirect jobs across operations, construction, logistics etc. |
Construction begins in 2026, with full capacity expected by 2029. Other German and European companies, including Thyssenkrupp Nucera, are anticipated to participate not only in construction but also in ongoing operations.
Building on this momentum, the Port of Rotterdam Authority signed a MoU with AM Green, an Indian green energy company. This partnership targets annual hydrogen trade of 1 million tons and the establishment of supply chains for low-carbon fuels and chemicals between Europe and India. It further includes evaluating potential infrastructure modifications at Rotterdam's port facilities.
These developments align with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2021 which targets both cleaner energy production and greater energy self-reliance. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are positioning themselves as key hubs for India's clean energy manufacturing, while European companies gain access to cost-competitive production and India's growing domestic market. The partnerships demonstrate how India's renewable energy scale, combined with Europe's technology expertise and market access, creates mutual advantages that extend beyond traditional buyer-seller relationships toward integrated supply chain collaboration.
Sources: MSN, Times of India, BairdMaritime, CarbonCredits
What Else is Rising?
Airbus and Schaeffler Expand Production in India
India continues to emerge as a growing manufacturing hub for European businesses. Two major German and French multinationals recently announced important steps in their efforts to expand production in India.
Image: Cristian Grecu via Unsplash
After a competitive bidding process involving several Indian states, Airbus announced it will establish its new H125 helicopter Final Assembly Line in Kolar, Karnataka. The collaboration with Tata, initially announced in January 2024, will create India's first commercial helicopter assembly facility and make the country the fourth global production hub for the H125, alongside France, Brazil, and the United States.
While initial production targets are 10 units annually, Airbus expects substantial expansion opportunities due to forecasted demand of 500 units over the next two decades in the region alone. Airbus therefore positions India as a strategic manufacturing hub capable of serving both domestic and regional export markets.
India is a key market for Schaeffler. The new facility is a significant step in our efforts to expand our global manufacturing footprint and further localization in the region. It supports our long-term growth vision and positions us to better cater to the rising market demands and grow with the Indian market.
Meanwhile, the German motion technology company Schaeffler inaugurated a new production site in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. Already Schaeffler’s fifth manufacturing facility, this development confirms its regional strategy to create a production hub for conventional and electrified powertrain technologies for India’s automotive market.
Some additional details:
Phase 1: 16,500 sqm production facility
Land size: 108,000 sqm
Sustainability: the site minimises the environmental impact by leveraging battery-operated material handling equipment, rainwater harvesting, zero liquid discharge with reuse systems, and energy-efficient building technologies.
Beyond manufacturing, Schaeffler also operates three R&D centres in India and has invested a total of INR 1,700 Crore (EUR 175.2 Million) in India over the past three years alone.
These investments reflect a broader strategic shift where European companies follow their South Korean or Japanese counterparts in viewing India not merely as a cost-efficient manufacturing location, but as a hub capable of supporting sophisticated production processes, innovation, and regional expansion across diverse industries.
Sources: Airbus, Aviation A2Z, Schaeffler
Quick Risers
Suzuki Motorcycle started construction of its new manufacturing site in India. On 100 acres of land, the company will initially invest INR 1,200 Crore (EUR 125 Million) and plans to produce up to 750,000 motorbikes annually. (Source: The Hindu)
KK Wind Solutions, a Danish production company in wind power, opened a new 17,000 sqm manufacturing site in Bengaluru. 400 employees will manufacture controller units in KK Wind Solutions’ largest site in Asia. (Source: Windtech International)
India has been one of the top IPO markets globally in Q1 2025. With raising USD 2.8 Billion, India had a share of 22% of the global IPO activity. Nonetheless, this is 20% below 2024 numbers (Source: Times of India)
Universal Studios is reportedly in talks with Bharti Real Estate for its first theme park in India. Expected to be an indoor theme park, Universal Studios intends to lease 300,000 sqft of Bharti’s 3 Million sqft mall development near Delhi airport. (Source: Hindustan Times)
Prime Minister Modi was present at the first completion of the new D9 – 9000 HP electric locomotives from the Indian Railways’ factory in Dahod, Gujarat. Siemens Mobility’s state-of-the-art facility will manufacture trains for global clients. 90% of the train’s technology was developed in India. (Source: Siemens Mobility)
Spotlight: Mid-Market GCCs in India
A recent nasscom - Zinnov report sheds a light on the accelerating growth of mid-market GCCs (Global Capability Centres) in India.
Source: Zinnov - nasscom (2025)
Having access to India's tech ecosystem and talent is becoming an important competitive factor, and adoption rates are expected to grow further.
Curiosity Corner
Your random facts and stories about India and the Indo-European friendship.
India leads global AI adoption, and shows how tech-savvy its population is.
AI adoption has been the talk of town for the past few years, and while it is a new technological chapter, day-to-day use differs wildly globally. Based on Statista’s sample research, India ranks on top and confirms its Tech savvy population.
But this is not all. India's AI leadership reflects deeper technological foundations.
According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), India is emerging as a global research powerhouse and ranks among the top 5 countries in 45 out of 64 of those critical technologies, particularly in:
1️⃣ Artificial Intelligence
2️⃣ Biotechnology
3️⃣ Advanced information and communication technologies
The gap between daily AI adoption rates and ASPI’s data suggests we're witnessing a fundamental shift in where technological innovation happens.
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