Jayaraman Punidhan is head of business development (PSPs and hydro) and vice-president at the Adani Group. He has been instrumental in securing PSP business of about 6,250 MW with a capex outlook of $3.76 billion.
Punidhan has had a long professional career in the power sector, particularly the hydropower segment. He has worked with hydro major NHPC Limited for almost two and half decades.
Commenting on the sector, Punidhan says, “The power sector is going through a transformative phase, in line with global initiatives to address the climate crisis and transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Over the past year, favourable government policies, such as policy guidelines on the development of PSPs as well as inter-state transmission system waivers, have provided an impetus to the growth of the sector.”
On future trends in the sector, he says: “In the coming years, PSPs will play a vital role in managing the variability of solar and wind energy. With advancements in energy storage technologies and evolving offtake strategies, there is ample opportunity for innovation and investment in hybrid projects combined with energy storage systems. Moreover, cross-border electricity trades, especially with hydro-rich countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, offer promising prospects for collaboration and power exchange.”
While acknowledging the government’s supportive policies, Punidhan believes that better coordination between the central and the state authorities is essential, especially in the pumped storage segment where water management is critical. Addressing issues such as transmission infrastructure development, offering financial incentives for renewable energy assets and streamlining regulatory frameworks can further boost sector growth as well as investment, he notes.
Punidhan recalls his most memorable assignment as the time when he was deputed to Myanmar for the Tamanthi and Shwezaye hydropower projects. The projects were facing a number of challenges. However, despite adverse conditions and various obstacles, his team successfully completed the projects ahead of schedule and within budget.
Punidhan holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bangalore University. He strongly believes in the power of networking and in getting things done.
On the personal front, Punidhan is passionate about travelling, exploring diverse cultures and savouring different local cuisines. He also enjoys playing chess.