On April 28, Bharat Heavy Electricity Limited (BHEL) and GE Power Conversion signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an integrated electric propulsion system for the Indian Navy. “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by BHEL and GE Power Conversion enhances indigenous capabilities in the field of integrating advanced technologies for all-electric propulsion systems,” a statement said.

The MoU was signed by Jeremy Quin MP, UK Minister of Defence Acquisition, Alex Ellis, UK High Commissioner to India, Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary, Defence Industry Promotion Department, Dr Nalin Shinghal, CMD BHEL, IS&P Director Renuka Gera BHEL, Syreeta Jeffs and Balaji Parthasarathy, GE Power Conversion Director, J.P Srivastava, Executive Director (IS) BHEL.

With the signing of the MoU, the expertise and facilities of GE Power Conversion and BHEL are available for the rapid introduction of this advanced technology, combined with indigenous manufacturing by the Indian Navy, which has been at the forefront of Aatmanirbhar Bharat-Make in the Indian program, it said.

“In a joint statement on April 22, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a joint working group on the India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership to promote military and industrial cooperation on maritime electric propulsion systems.

“I am delighted that GE Power Conversion and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, the first step in an exciting journey of cooperation between the UK and India,” said UK Defence Minister Jeremy Quin.

He added: “GE Power Conversion is an integral part of the industry-government partnership that has developed the UK’s world-leading electric propulsion capability, which operates with our Royal Navy’s destroyer and aircraft carrier fleet. BHEL With proven support capabilities for Indian frontline ships, “this is the perfect partner. The collaboration between GE Power Conversion and BHEL demonstrates the UK’s commitment to working with India to support Aatmanirbhar Bharat in India, and I believe this will be the first of many collaborations.”

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GE Power’s electric propulsion units and equipment have been installed on some of the latest platforms in the US Navy and Royal Navy, including Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. These systems provide flexibility in selecting and placement power generation equipment and drive elements and improve stealth and fuel efficiency. Considering the maturity and integration potential of the technology, electric propulsion has been identified as a critical technology for the Indian Navy on the new construction platform.