'Troyer's Motto: Sustaining Reliability for Tomorrow and Beyond'

Pawan Dhakal, Managing Director at Troyer Hydro, is a Germany graduated Engineer with over 24 years of professional expertise in the hydropower and aerospace sectors. He has demonstrated his expertise in various roles including Design Engineering, Project Management, After Market Service, Sales and Marketing, and Senior Management across several multinational companies in Europe, working on hydropower projects worldwide. Dhakal is a shareholder and Managing Director at Troyer Hydro, a subsidiary of Troyer AG, Italy. He is also responsible for sales and marketing in South and Southeast Asia.

Could you elaborate on Troyer and its background?

It is an old and globally renowned company Troyer SpA, located in Vipiteno, Italy, capitalized on the boom in small and medium-sized hydropower plants with capacities ranging from a few kilowatts to 30 MW per unit. Founded in 1934 by Valentin Troyer as an electromechanical repair workshop, the company soon specialized in supplying small hydroelectric power plants and quickly gained recognition in South Tyrol and beyond. Today, Troyer operates in America, Asia, and Europe with a major market presence in Alpine countries (Switzerland, Austria, Italy), Brazil, Norway, and notably, Nepal. In addition to these markets, the company also has promising projects in other countries worldwide. In 2023, Troyer became part of the HTI group.

What kind of equipment has this company been producing?

Troyer serves as a single-point contact for customers, supplying water-to-wire solutions on a turnkey basis globally. It manufactures complete turbines, main-inlet valves, and automation and control systems, including protection systems for power plants at its factory in Vipiteno, Italy. For other components such as generators and balance of plant equipment, Troyer collaborates with strategic partners to provide comprehensive solutions.

How is Troyer expanding its business globally?

Troyer believes in establishing long-term strategic partnerships with customers. The company carefully selects new markets worldwide to ensure a lasting presence that meets customer expectations and market requirements, rather than pursuing short-term goals.

How does Troyer aim to establish itself in South Asia and Southeast Asia?

Troyer aims to position itself as a trusted and long-term partner for customers, offering reliable support and emphasizing quality over quantity. Quality is derived from customer trust in Troyer's services, responsiveness, and accountability. In essence, Troyer seeks to earn full customer trust in selected markets by being a dependable and accountable partner with a strong local service footprint.

When did Troyer enter Nepal, and with which hydropower project?

Troyer began its operations in Nepal in 2021, starting with the Super Chepe Khola (9.05 MW) entrusted by Ridge Line Company Limited. The project is currently operational and successful. The same business group has also entrusted Troyer with the second project, Dudhpokhari Chepe (11 MW). The Nepalese market has responded positively to Troyer, leading to the company's involvement in another 10 projects with a combined capacity of more than 250 MW at various stages of development.

Dozens of turbine manufacturers are expanding their businesses in Nepal. How does Troyer stand out among these companies?

As previously mentioned, Troyer prioritizes long-term strategic planning and local presence in its business development approach. This strategy includes establishing a local branch office in Nepal and a subsidiary in India, adhering to its motto of "Think globally, act locally." Additionally, Troyer ensures consistent quality across its equipment and services worldwide, whether in Switzerland, Brazil, or Nepal. This approach differentiates Troyer by offering reliability and accountability, supported by its own modern facility for manufacturing components and programming and installing automation, control, and protection systems.

What differences exist between Troyer and other companies regarding equipment quality?

Troyer maintains uniform standards for mechanical and electrical components manufactured at its facility in Vipiteno, Italy. With over 90 years of successful history, Troyer is renowned for its high-quality mechanical components and advanced yet straightforward automation technology, holding more than 70% market share in the small hydro sector in Switzerland. While there are numerous turbine manufacturers globally, few have their own modern facilities for manufacturing components and deploying automation, control, and protection systems. This advantage ensures reduced lead times during installation and commissioning, as well as minimal downtime due to swift remote troubleshooting—a significant benefit for Troyer's customers in Nepal.

How many projects has Troyer worked on in Nepal?

Troyer has successfully completed the Super Chepe Khola, currently operational, and is involved in another 10 projects totaling 250 MW, progressing through various stages of design and manufacturing.

Have there been any complaints regarding equipment in completed projects?

It is unrealistic to claim that no complaints have ever arisen regarding equipment. However, Troyer prides itself on its responsiveness and support, ensuring minimal complaints thus far and aiming to maintain this standard in the long term.

Why should hydropower developers choose Troyer's equipment?

Developers seeking a reliable, accountable, and trustworthy supplier will find Troyer to be an ideal choice.

Troyer is sometimes criticized globally as a financially unstable company. Can such a company compete with others that deliver quality work?

Troyer's entry into the HTI Group in 2023 presented an opportunity for substantial international growth and synergy, leveraging the group's resources and expertise. This strategic move has enabled Troyer to redefine its structure and processes while focusing on its core strengths, particularly the quality and customization of products to maximize power output. In 2023, Troyer achieved a turnover exceeding €38 million, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. Future projections indicate continued growth through increased investment and hiring, positioning Troyer to compete effectively with global industry leaders based on innovation and quality.

What are Troyer's future business plans?

As previously mentioned, Troyer intends to solidify its position as a leading supplier in the medium hydro segment, emphasizing local service and customer trust.

What strategy does Troyer plan to adopt for its operations in Nepal while competing with other companies?

Troyer's strategy involves thinking globally and acting locally, prioritizing trustworthiness, reliability, and accountability. The company adheres to its motto of "Reliability beyond tomorrow" in its partnerships with hydropower companies in Nepal.