For many European and US-based Brands and Manufacturers, the Indian market represents a vast opportunity yet remains challenging due to its complex regulatory landscape. Traditional export models like direct export, agents, or distributor arrangements often fall short...
Sembcorp Industries, an international energy and urban solutions provider, contacted NXT GROUP to gain insights in and know-how of the Indian biomass market.
The company, headquartered in Singapore, leverages its sector expertise and global track record to deliver innovative solutions that support the energy transition and sustainable development. Sembcorp is listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Its largest shareholders are private equity firms with 50% ownership and individual investors owning 39%.
In India, the company is active since 2021. Sembcorp Energy India is a leading independent power producer with 4,37 gigawatts of thermal and renewable power capacity in operation and under development. Whereas the company’s focus has been on owning and operating wind and solar projects in India, the upcoming demand for biomass under the co-firing mandate has not gone unrecognized.
The NXT GROUP has been an active front-runner in the Indian biomass sector since 2017, by supporting various Dutch engineering companies with their entry in the Indian market. And by teaming up with the US company CPM in the biomass technology sphere in 2019. As well as launching its international NXT GREEN sourcing & supply platform in the Indian market in 2022.
Based on NXT’s track-record Sembcorp asked NXT GREEN in 2022 to conduct a feasibility study on its behalf on the vast but also complex market that India is.
NXT GREEN conducted research and analyses on the various sources of biomass commodities in India. It also formulated the required supply-chain strategies depending on the commodity types. Furthermore, it defined and proposed value chain models for sourcing and processing raw materials and supplying biomass towards energy companies in India and in markets in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC).
There is a growing demand for biomass on a global level. However, to develop and maintain a sustainable supply of biomass remains the weakest link in the biomass business chain.
NXT GREEN focused on identifying the multiple challenges faced in developing a biomass supply chain in India for energy companies. That includes looking at the variation in the availability of biomass source materials (feedstocks), the distinct characteristics of each species, uncertainties of the technology performance in chipping, drying, grinding and processing of the feedstock material, as well as logistics and transportation issues to be expected and how to overcome them.
According to Victor Eveleens , head of NXT’s Indian market organization, the feasibility report enables both Sembcorp and the NXT GROUP to utilize the know-how gained to further enhance their growth strategies in the Indian biomass market and where needed leverage the know-how to support biomass technology providers with entering the Indian market place.
For more information on the NXT GROUP’s strategy in the Indian biomass market, the NXT GREEN platform or any subject related to your company aiming to enter the Indian market, please feel free to contact either Michael Westenberg or Victor Eveleens. They will be happy to listen and help in improving your business performance.
NXT Group of Companies:
Michael Westenberg
Chief Executive Office
Phone: +31 (0)20 2373000
Victor Eveleens
Head of Turkey & India Market Organisations
Phone: +91 (80) 61429056
v.eveleens@nxt-group.com