Akhil Agarwal has been associated with NTPC Limited, a Maharatna company, for the past 33 years and currently serves as general manager (engineering). Over this long association with the company, he has taken on various assignments and responsibilities, and continues to contribute in his present role.
According to Agarwal, the Indian power sector is on a strong growth trajectory. He notes that the sector is well aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat as well as the country’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070. The required policies and initiatives are being implemented towards achieving these long-term objectives. “I am also contributing towards these goals as per the assignments and responsibility bestowed upon me by the company,” he says.
Commenting on the key challenges facing the sector, Agarwal points to ash utilisation, emission reduction, flexibilisation requirements and the availability of gas. He notes that sustained efforts are being made to reduce emissions to the extent possible. In addition, several studies have been undertaken to facilitate the adoption of flexible operation of thermal power plants. The necessary changes have also been incorporated into the technical specifications wherever required, supporting the sector’s efforts to address these requirements.
Looking back on his professional journey, Agarwal describes his work on the country’s mandated thermal power capacity addition in recent years as one of the most rewarding phases of his career. “I enjoyed working relentlessly towards this assignment and contributed a lot in the past four years,” he says.
When it comes to leadership, Agarwal believes in leading from the front while empowering his team. He has consistently focused on mentoring his subordinates by providing guidance and extending support whenever needed, encouraging them to develop the confidence to take independent decisions. Along with his team, he has also contributed to the Government of India’s Make in India initiative by providing inputs to the concerned government bodies for developing the required policy framework and directives whenever sought.
Agarwal enjoys his work and approaches every assignment with a focus on his responsibilities, while continuing to support his team. He remains committed to contributing to his organisation’s success.