According to Varchasvi Gagal, CEO and managing director, Datta Infra, India’s renewable energy sector is witnessing significant growth, driven by the government’s strong commitment to sustainable development and initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar. The country’s renewable energy capacity now accounts for a significant 46.3 per cent of the total installed capacity of over 450 GW, he remarks.
States such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have emerged as leaders, he adds. Rajasthan recently hosted the Rising Rajasthan 2024 event, where an MoU was signed for a Rs 50 billion investment by Datta Infra in renewable energy infrastructure. “This is a step towards empowering communities while advancing clean energy innovation,” he remarks.
Datta Infra has been a key player in India’s land aggregation and development sector. The company focuses on creating an organised framework for land aggregation and development, offering one-stop solutions in land infrastructure development, transmission connectivity, land aggregation and solar power.
Having worked closely on several renewable projects, he explains that land acquisition is a critical bottleneck, particularly in states such as Rajasthan, where issues such as overlapping jurisdictions and ownership disputes complicate the process. Furthermore, the country’s ageing transmission grid needs modernisation to support renewable energy growth.
Looking ahead, Gagal is optimistic about the power sector. “India’s electricity demand is expected to triple by 2030, and renewable energy will play a pivotal role in meeting this demand. By 2040, nearly half of the total electricity generated is projected to come from renewables.
Reflecting on his career, Gagal considers the execution of the flagship 4,000 MW solar park project in Bikaner as a key achievement. This project required extensive collaboration with private and public stakeholders, from land acquisition to the implementation of the 400 kV double-circuit transmission lines.
Describing his management style, Gagal emphasises collaboration and inclusivity. “I believe in the spirit of collaboration and encourage diverse perspectives, so that teams can innovate and resonate with each organisational milestone as their own,” he says.
He is passionate about driving innovation in renewable energy and remains committed to shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for India.