Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional journey, particularly focusing on your experience in designing thermal and solar power plants?

Let me share a bit about my professional journey with you. For nearly 19 years, I have worked in the renewable energy sector, focusing mainly on solar and wind power while also gaining valuable experience in WHRB-based thermal power projects. My career began in Design and Engineering, where I built a strong foundation in power plant design. As time went on, I moved into Project Management, and later into Project Development and Tendering. This allowed me to take on responsibilities like negotiating and signing Power Purchase Agreements with government bodies, public sector undertakings, and Open Access projects.

Today, I have the privilege of leading project development for a portfolio of around 4,500 MW, spanning India, the APAC region, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Q2. Considering the challenges in integrating renewable energy into the existing grid infrastructure, what are the best practices for ensuring grid stability and reliability?

When it comes to integrating renewable energy into the grid, stability and reliability are always top of mind. The process calls for careful planning. For example, choosing the right substation and evaluating how it connects to the nearest load dispatch center are critical first steps. It is also important to look closely at the capacity and configuration of existing transmission lines—especially for connections at 132 kV and above, which usually offer greater reliability and grid availability.

Another key step is understanding the local load profile and the capacity of the substation you are connecting to. If the infrastructure is overloaded or not robust enough, it can lead to curtailment and instability for your project. That's why early coordination with state and regional load dispatch centers is so helpful—it ensures your renewable asset is properly synchronized and stable from day one.

Q3. Can you share insights into the evolving regulatory landscape for renewable energy projects in India and how companies are adapting to these changes?

If we look at recent years, particularly from 2018 to 2024, you can see how much the regulatory landscape for renewable energy in India has changed. One of the most notable shifts has been in Open Access regulations. In the past, approvals and banking provisions were given annually, but now they are managed on a Time-of-Day or monthly basis, which makes them much more responsive to grid demand and the variability of renewable sources.

While these changes may seem to add complexity, they actually encourage better grid discipline and more efficient use of renewable power. Even though some norms have become stricter, there is still plenty of opportunity in the sector. Many states are streamlining their procedures, introducing Green Energy Open Access Rules, and making it easier for companies to pursue captive and third-party renewable procurement.

To keep up, companies are rethinking how they structure their projects, improving forecasting and scheduling, and making the most of energy storage and hybrid models. These strategies help them stay compliant with regulations while also protecting their commercial interests.

Q4. What role do hybrid energy systems, combining solar and wind power, play in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy generation?

Hybrid energy systems are changing the game when it comes to making renewable energy more reliable and efficient. At first, the main focus was on combining solar and wind power. This combination works well because wind patterns often help fill in the gaps when the sun is not shining, whether that's at night or during certain seasons.

Now, the industry is moving toward integrating battery storage with solar power, which has proven to be both practical and reliable in today’s market. By pairing solar with storage, we can dispatch renewable energy when it’s needed most, shift supply to match peak demand, and help keep the grid stable.

These hybrid setups also help lower the cost of energy, make better use of transmission lines, and improve how we use our capacity. The end result is that renewable power becomes more competitive and easier to integrate into the grid.

Q5. Given the increasing focus on sustainability, how are renewable energy companies addressing environmental concerns related to land use and ecosystem impact?

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, renewable energy companies are increasingly adopting responsible development practices to minimize environmental and ecological impacts.

When it comes to land use, companies are now much more thoughtful about where they set up new projects. They conduct detailed environmental and social impact assessments to make sure they use non-agricultural, wasteland, or degraded land whenever possible, instead of fertile farmland or forests. Solar installations are also being designed with careful layouts that reduce the amount of land used and help maintain natural drainage and biodiversity.

To protect local ecosystems, developers are putting biodiversity management plans in place, maintaining buffer zones, and finding ways to use land for more than one purpose. For example, with agrivoltaics, farming and solar installations can happen side by side. In wind and hybrid projects, it is now standard to carry out avian impact studies and wildlife monitoring as part of the process.

Overall, we are seeing the industry move away from a mindset focused only on development. There is a growing emphasis on sustainable coexistence, making sure that the growth of clean energy goes hand-in-hand with caring for the environment and preserving ecological balance for the long term.

Q6. If you were advising investors looking at the renewable energy sector, what key factors would you suggest they evaluate to assess long-term growth and competitive advantage?

If you are considering investing in the renewable energy sector, here are a few things I would suggest keeping in mind. Look for policy stability and a company’s ability to execute projects well. Long-term security through Power Purchase Agreements is also key. It’s wise to check whether a company has a good mix of solar, wind, hybrid, and storage projects, as diversity helps them weather changes in the market or shifting seasons.

Additionally, assessing financial strength, O&M efficiency, and technology adaptability (such as BESS and hybrid models) is critical for sustained growth. Finally, understanding the company’s ESG compliance, land and grid readiness, and ability to manage regulatory and curtailment risks will determine its long-term competitive advantage.