Dr. Ashvini Kumar
Senior Director, Renewable Energy Technology Applications, TERI
Over 40 years of leadership in solar energy policy and implementation
Dr. Ashvini Kumar is a distinguished leader in India’s renewable energy revolution and is currently the Senior Director of Renewable Energy Technology Applications at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in driving India’s transition to solar energy through his roles in policy-making, research, and implementation. He is recognized for his significant contributions to solar energy technology, policy development, and large-scale project implementation.
☀️ Key Solar Contributions
- Leadership at TERI:
As the Senior Director at TERI, Dr. Kumar leads several cutting-edge renewable energy initiatives, including research on floating solar PV systems, and is focused on advancing solar technology in India and globally. - Pivotal Role in National Solar Mission:
Dr. Kumar was a key player in shaping India’s National Solar Mission (NSM), which set ambitious targets for India’s solar capacity. He contributed significantly to the policy framework that positioned India as a leader in solar energy. - Managing Director, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI):
From 2012 to 2017, Dr. Kumar served as the Managing Director of SECI, where he oversaw the auction of over 20 GW of solar capacity, including innovative projects like floating solar and canal-top solar systems. He pioneered solar-wind hybrid projects, which were approved by the World Bank, driving India’s renewable energy integration forward. - Innovative Solar Projects:
Dr. Kumar led SECI in launching solar-wind hybrid projects and floating solar systems, and worked towards integrating energy storage solutions to ensure round-the-clock power from renewable sources. - Decentralized Solar Solutions:
Dr. Kumar is a strong advocate for decentralized solar energy, emphasizing that rooftop solar can democratize energy access, reduce transmission losses, and empower households and industries across India.
Awards & Recognitions
- Leadership in Energy Efficiency: Dr. Kumar has been recognized with the Visionary Leadership Award for his role in transforming India’s energy efficiency landscape through his initiatives at SECI and TERI.
- Global Influence on Renewable Energy: As a member of the Global Advisory Committee on ISA activities, Dr. Kumar continues to influence international renewable energy strategies, promoting solar as the central solution to climate change and energy poverty.
- Authorship and Media Engagement: He has co-authored books on solar energy and energy efficiency and is a frequent speaker at renewable energy forums. Dr. Kumar’s insights on solar energy are highly regarded in the energy community.
Inspiration and Motivation for Solar Energy
Dr. Kumar’s passion for solar energy is deeply rooted in his belief that clean energy technologies can transform lives and combat climate change. Reflecting on his early work in solar energy, he said:
“When I started working on solar energy at IIT Delhi, it was seen as niche research with limited practical applications. Today, it is powering villages, industries, and cities—a dream come true for those who believed in its potential.”
Dr. Kumar’s motivation to move from academia to policy-making was fueled by the desire to make a larger impact and to scale solar solutions to meet the needs of millions of people.
Thoughts on India’s Solar Future
Dr. Kumar sees solar energy as central to India’s transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy future. He is optimistic about the potential of hybrid technologies, decentralized solutions, and storage to address grid stability and energy access challenges. Dr. Kumar envisions India surpassing its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030, thanks to advances in solar technology, energy storage, and grid integration.
“India’s renewable story is just beginning. With the right mix of policy support and technological innovation, we can lead the world toward a sustainable future.” – Dr. Kumar
⭐ Key Achievements
- SECI Leadership: Dr. Kumar oversaw the auctioning of 20+ GW of solar capacity and led innovative solar projects like floating solar and canal-top systems.
- Policy Innovation: Played a key role in designing tenders like SECI’s round-the-clock power tender, which integrated solar energy into the grid.
- Rooftop Solar Advocacy: Championed decentralized solar solutions that democratize energy access and reduce transmission losses.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Technical Expertise: Dr. Kumar has been involved in solar R&D, authoring books and leading solar technology advancements.
- Policy Leadership: His role in shaping India’s National Solar Mission and at SECI has made him a key figure in renewable energy policy.
- Strategic Vision: Advocates for decentralized solar and storage solutions as the future of India’s clean energy transition.
Conclusion
Dr. Ashvini Kumar’s career showcases how vision, leadership, and innovation can drive a transformative energy transition. Whether through his work at TERI, leadership at SECI, or advocacy for solar energy, Dr. Kumar has been a central figure in shaping India’s clean energy future. As he aptly puts it:
“The sun doesn’t just power our homes—it powers hope for a cleaner planet.”
— Dr. Ashvini Kumar