Kirloskar has been at the forefront of industrial solutions, continually evolving to meet the demands of the construction, mining, and defence industries. We caught up with Rahul Sahai, Chief Executive Officer at Kirloskar Oil Engines, to discuss their latest product launches, sustainability initiatives, and the role of innovation in industrial engines.

Can you tell us more about the new product launch at Bauma India?  
We are not just launching a product but unveiling our entire Kirloskar industrial range. When we say “Kirloskar Industrial,” we are talking about an end-to-end engineering solution spanning design to delivery, providing exceptional application expertise to our customers. Our brand encompasses diverse product lines across defence, railways, construction, oil and gas, and mining industries. We collaborate closely with our customers to develop products tailored to their needs.

We launched the CVB S5 engine, part of our new product lineup, which is designed to be a plug-and-play solution with an onboard ECU and after-treatment system. This makes it easier for customers, as they don’t need to worry about additional customisation. Additionally, we’ve introduced an innovative 1100 HP mining engine. This is the first indigenously developed, made-in-India engine for dump truck applications, marking a significant milestone. We are also working on hydrogen-based engines showcased here at the stall. This new range represents a major step forward for us at Kirloskar Industrial.

How do these products contribute to sustainability in the construction industry?
Sustainability is at the core of what we do, and we approach it from multiple angles. First, we have designed our products to be fuel-agnostic. Our engines and systems can run on various fuels, such as 100 percent ethanol, 100 percent methanol, 100 percent hydrogen, combinations of hydrogen and natural gas, and even combinations of hydrogen and diesel. This flexibility allows our customers to choose the most sustainable fuel options based on their needs.

We have also launched microgrids, integrating solar and battery-powered systems to offer an affordable and sustainable power source. These systems have built-in intelligence to optimise power applications, ensuring that customers receive the most efficient energy possible. By incorporating these solutions into our product offerings, we are helping to drive sustainability across industries, including construction.

Mining equipment often operates in extremely harsh environments. How do your engines help mining equipment perform in such conditions?
Mining operations are conducted in some of the most challenging conditions. We work closely with our OEM partners to ensure the success of our products, whether in mining, construction, or any other sector. We design our engines from the ground up to be robust enough to withstand extreme weather, dust, or vibration. Our products come with full onboard electronics, which enhance their durability and reliability.

We also conduct extensive trials in various operating environments to validate the performance of our products. This ensures that they meet the highest standards for durability and efficiency, making them well-suited to handle the tough demands of mining operations.

Are there any new products in the pipeline?
We have several exciting products in the pipeline. Some of them are already being showcased here at the event, and many more are to come. One product we’re particularly excited about is our microgrid solution. While we’ve already presented the controller here, we’re eagerly looking forward to the full-fledged microgrid launch. It’s an innovation that combines renewable energy sources with intelligent power management, which we believe will revolutionise how industries approach energy sustainability.

We recently launched our OptiPrime range of generators. These generators have multiple units within a single genset, and the units switch on and off automatically based on load demand. This feature helps optimise fuel consumption and improve overall efficiency. Several more innovative products are coming up that will continue to enhance our offerings.

What are some of the key features of the OptiPrime generators, and how do they benefit customers?
The OptiPrime range is designed with energy efficiency and operational flexibility in mind. The key feature of these generators is the modular design, where multiple units are integrated into a single genset. The units automatically switch on or off based on the load demand, which helps optimise fuel usage and reduce operational costs. This makes the OptiPrime generators ideal for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring reliable power supply. The system’s intelligence also helps minimise wear and tear, leading to longer operational lifespans and less frequent maintenance.

The OptiPrime range is an excellent example of how we are leveraging technology to create more efficient and sustainable solutions for our customers.

Kirloskar is pushing boundaries with these innovations. How do you see these advancements impacting the future of industrial applications?
These innovations are just the beginning. The need for sustainability, energy efficiency, and flexibility will heavily influence the future of industrial applications. We are positioning ourselves at the forefront of this transformation by focusing on fuel-agnostic platforms, renewable energy solutions, and intelligent power systems. As industries continue to prioritise environmental responsibility and cost optimisation, our solutions will be key to helping them achieve these goals.

We are committed to leading this change by continuously innovating and adapting to our customers’ needs. We see a future where sustainable technologies and intelligent systems are integrated into every aspect of industrial operations, making them more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

For more information, visit: https://www.kirloskarpumps.com/