Flender has inaugurated India’s largest wind turbine gearbox test rig with a capacity of 13.5 MW at its facility in Walajabad near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, strengthening the country’s capabilities in wind power technology, testing infrastructure, and renewable energy manufacturing.
The advanced electric series back-to-back test rig is designed to validate next-generation wind turbine gearboxes under demanding operating conditions. The facility can test gearboxes for turbines of up to 13.5 MW capacity and transmit torque of up to 18,000 kNm, while the plate field can withstand tensile and compressive forces of up to 500 tonnes, setting a new benchmark for gearbox testing infrastructure in India.
The development of the project began in January 2025 at the company’s development site in Voerde, Germany, and was completed within 13 months, highlighting strong coordination among Flender’s global engineering teams. Key components such as converters, motors, and centre blocks were manufactured in China, while transformers, cooling systems, and steel structures were sourced from Indian suppliers. Final assembly and commissioning were carried out through joint efforts of German engineers, Indian contractors, and Flender’s local team.
Commenting on the milestone, Andreas Evertz, Group CEO of Flender, said that the inauguration of India’s largest wind gearbox test rig reflects the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions globally. Vinod Shetty, CEO of Flender India, added that the new facility reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting the global energy transition and strengthening India’s role in wind power technology.
The new testing infrastructure is expected to accelerate the development and validation of next-generation wind turbine gearboxes, enabling manufacturers to test high-capacity systems locally and reducing development timelines. The facility also supports the growing shift toward larger wind turbines designed to improve efficiency and lower the cost of renewable electricity.
With this investment, Flender aims to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for wind energy manufacturing and innovation, supporting both domestic demand and international markets as the global wind sector moves toward larger and more powerful turbines.
