Que: As a key player in specialty lubricants, how does Klüber Lubrication contribute to India’s vision for a greener and more sustainable energy future, particularly within the wind energy sector?

Ans: At Klüber Lubrication, we are deeply committed to India’s vision for a sustainable energy future. Our role is not merely to supply lubricants but to drive innovation that helps optimise the performance of wind turbines while significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Through high-performance lubricants designed to extend component lifespans, we directly contribute to minimising resource consumption, lowering maintenance frequency, and reducing waste. This aligns perfectly with India’s renewable energy ambitions.

For example, our flagship product Klüberplex BEM 41-141 has become a preferred solution for leading wind turbine OEMs. It serves as a versatile lubricant for main, generator, yaw, and blade bearings, simplifying logistics and ensuring operational continuity across the turbine. Similarly, our Klübersynth BEM 48-1501, often referred to as "rescue grease," offers a game-changing solution for turbines that experience unexpected bearing damage. This product enables continued operation even when components show early signs of wear, effectively delaying the need for immediate replacements and extending turbine lifespans. By keeping turbines operational longer, it reduces the cost of ownership and supports a more sustainable wind energy infrastructure.

Que: Wind turbines operate in harsh environments with demanding mechanical requirements. What are the latest trends and innovations in wind turbine lubrication that Klüber is pioneering?

Ans: The extreme conditions faced by wind turbines require lubricants that can perform under high stress, severe temperatures, and moisture. Klüber is continually innovating to meet these challenges while extending turbine life and reducing operational costs.

One of our most notable innovations is the Klüberplex BEM 41-141. This multi-functional grease is widely used across major turbine bearing points, providing unparalleled reliability in various environments. Additionally, our flushing greases have revolutionised the way turbines are maintained by allowing bearings to be cleaned during operation. This product removes harmful residues while continuing to provide protection against fretting wear and corrosion, ultimately reducing downtime and extending bearing life.

Our Klübersynth BEM 48-1501 (rescue grease) allows turbines to continue operating, even when there are signs of bearing damage. It delays the progression of damage and provides temporary protection, enabling turbines to remain operational until scheduled maintenance.

These innovations, including our ability to provide real-time performance monitoring of lubricants, demonstrate Klüber Lubrication's commitment to driving the wind energy sector towards more sustainable and reliable operations.

Que: Klüber’s synthetic lubricants are designed to minimise downtime and reduce maintenance costs. Can you discuss the technology behind these lubricants and how they enhance operational efficiency for wind energy operators?

Ans: At Klüber Lubrication, our approach is to create lubricants that surpass industry expectations, ensuring maximum uptime and minimising maintenance costs. The technology behind our lubricants, including the advanced Klübersynth BEM 48-1501, lies in their ability to deliver exceptional protection even in the most challenging conditions.

Our Klübersynth BEM 48-1501 is a perfect example of this. Its high base oil viscosity, EP additives, and solid lubricants work together to protect damaged bearing surfaces while delaying further degradation. The product effectively buys operators valuable time, allowing them to run turbines until scheduled maintenance, without compromising performance or safety. This capability reduces the risk of unplanned downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and ultimately enhances the operational efficiency of wind farms.

In addition, our synthetic lubricants are rigorously tested for performance under real-world conditions. We ensure that each product is optimally formulated to provide superior load-carrying capacity, resistance to oxidation, and thermal stability, thus allowing wind operators to enjoy longer service intervals, fewer breakdowns, and a significant reduction in maintenance costs.

Que: Are there any collaborations or partnerships you are pursuing to further strengthen your presence in this space?

Ans: Klüber Lubrication recognises that the future of the wind energy sector will depend on collaboration between technology providers, OEMs, and research institutions. We are actively forging partnerships with key players in the wind turbine industry to co-develop lubrication solutions that meet the increasingly demanding requirements of larger, more powerful turbines.

By engaging with industry leaders and research bodies, we accelerate innovation and ensure that our solutions are always ahead of the curve, helping wind operators enhance their efficiency while meeting stringent environmental standards.
These partnerships also extend to the digitalisation of wind turbine operations, where we are working with IoT and sensor technology firms to integrate real-time lubricant monitoring systems into turbines. This will allow operators to track lubricant condition continuously, helping them anticipate maintenance needs, reduce unexpected downtime, and improve the overall efficiency of their wind farms.

Que: With a focus on expanding R&D infrastructure in Mysore, what new capabilities will Klüber Lubrication bring to the Indian market?

Ans: The expansion of our R&D infrastructure in Mysore is a strategic move that allows Klüber Lubrication to provide locally optimised lubrication solutions for the Indian market. This expanded capability enables us to develop and test products that are tailored specifically to India’s unique climate conditions and operational challenges in wind energy.

Our R&D center in Mysore is now fully equipped to rapidly prototype and test all kind of lubricants including the new generation of biobased and synthetic lubricants, accelerating the development of innovative solutions for India’s wind energy sector. This investment not only strengthens our ability to serve local markets but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability and efficiency, key pillars of India’s renewable energy aspirations.

Que: Where do you see the future of wind energy lubrication heading over the next decade?

Ans: The future of wind energy lubrication will be defined by digital integration, sustainability, and increased performance. Over the next decade, we expect digital monitoring technologies to play a central role in optimising lubricant use. Real-time data from turbines will enable operators to track lubricant performance, predict failures, and optimise maintenance schedules, resulting in fewer unplanned outages and enhanced efficiency.

Moreover, as the industry continues to focus on sustainability, we anticipate the adoption of biodegradable lubricants and renewable formulations to become more widespread, driven by increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Lubricants will also need to meet the growing power output demands of next-generation turbines, which will require even more resilient and long-lasting products.

At Klüber Lubrication, we are embracing these trends, and our digital solutions are at the forefront of this transformation. Through innovations like real-time monitoring of lubricant performance, we aim to empower wind energy operators with data-driven insights, helping them optimise maintenance, reduce downtime, and enhance the sustainability and profitability of their wind farms.

Ultimately, Klüber Lubrication will continue to lead the way, innovating products like Klüberplex BEM 41-141 and Klübersynth BEM 48-1501, ensuring that wind energy remains a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable source of power for generations to come.