M.S. Rahman is a seasoned professional with an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the power sector. His expertise encompasses various facets, including project planning, project execution, environment clearance, long term fuel linkage and effective liaison management.
Rahman embarked on his academic journey with a B. Tech (Hons.) from IIT Kharagpur in 1991, followed by an M. Tech in Structural Engineering from NIT Rourkela. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing his PhD in General Management, a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Throughout his career, Rahman has held pivotal roles at esteemed organisations such as Steel Authority of India Limited, NTPC Limited and Electrosteel Castings Limited , where he honed his skills and made significant contributions to project management and strategic planning. Presently, he serves as the Chief of Projects at Tata Power, where his leadership continues to drive innovation and excellence in project execution.
Rahman notes that India’s power sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for energy security, affordability and sustainability. The country aims to increase its installed power generation capacity from 430 GW to 900 GW by 2031-32, with a focus on renewable energy sources. India has also set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, including reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and achieving net zero emissions by 2070. India’s growing energy demand and diverse energy mix position it to play a significant role in the global energy transition.
According to Rahman, the power sector faces several key challenges, including the poor financial health of discoms due to heavy debt, which affects their operational efficiency and ability to procure power. Additionally, high transmission and distribution losses, often exceeding 20 per cent, are caused by outdated infrastructure. The integration of renewable energy poses grid stability issues due to its intermittent nature.
Rahman notes that with India’s energy demand set to double by 2050, driven by clean and renewable sources, the focus will be on expanding renewables, enhancing efficiency and promoting electric mobility. Significant investments and technological advancements are needed to overcome challenges and position India as a key player in the global energy transition.