A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, has over 28 years of experience in power generation sector. He started his career with NTPC and has worked at various levels in both Indian and multi-national companies such as Powergen, CLP, IDFC, CESC and AES.

The power sector, over a period of six months, has witnessed large scale investments in the power generation segment leading to an increase in the installed capacity to 329 GW as on September 30, 2017 from 132 GW as on March 31, 2007.

Founded in 2013, Ecoppia is a privately-owned Israeli company claiming to be the world leader in robotic cleaning solution for PV, for utility-scale solar installations.

Coal India is a state-controlled coal mining company. It is the largest coal producer in the world. Founded in 1975, it produces over 84 per cent of coal in India.

A part of the Reliance Group, Reliance Power was established in 2007 to develop, construct and operate power projects both in India as well as internationally.

Millions of Indians are yet to see the light of the day, without electricity connection. Pace of demand growth is far behind that of supply. The fossil fuels are being relegated and renewable sources are inducted in a big way.

Though weak logistics support and lack of preparedness of power plants are to be blamed for the recent coal shortage at power plants, the crisis could have been avoided with better co-ordination among stakeholders.

India is planning major investments in its power generation and distribution infrastructure as nearly 400 million Indians lack reliable energy supply. Most of this investment will be made in the renewable energy sector.

Shashi Shanker takes charge as Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC on October 1, 2017.