Discussions on navigating challenges surrounding ‘Round the Clock Renewables’ took centre stage at the 12^th Subir Raha Memorial lecture held in Deendayal Urja Bhavan on 19 July 2024. Director General of International Solar Alliance (ISA) Dr. Ajay Mathur enumerated the opportunities and the possible way forward for the sector during his keynote address on the occasion.

Director General of International Solar Alliance (ISA) Dr. Ajay Mathur addressing capital and infrastructural challenges for Round the Clock Renewables

Dr. Mathur began his lecture by paying rich tribute to the legendary Late Mr. Subir Raha and recalled the great visionary’s remarks “Only the most economic energy source shall endure”. He hailed Mr. Raha’s thrust on technology and R&D to make domestic alternative energy sources more affordable, much before the current global attention on Renewables. Infact DG-ISA credited rapid advancement of technology and sharp decline in costs as the major factors for the increasing demand for solar and wind energy in recent years. Calling Renewables (Solar & Onshore wind) the cheapest energy source for electricity at present, Dr. Mathur predicted further decline in battery and energy-storage costs due to research and innovation and expressed optimism that this would overcome the intermittency associated with solar and wind energy to pave the way for ‘Round the Clock Renewables’.

Dignitaries on the dais during the 12^th Subir Raha Memorial Lecture at DUB

Enlisting the major challenges, Dr. Mathur opined, “Capital allocation for RTC projects is twice as expensive as for coal.” He also mentioned the scarcity of land resources as a major roadblock given that solar plants required four times more land allocation than coal plants. He stressed on faster turnaround time of renewable energy projects and policy interventions as key to navigate these problems. Dr. Mathur also spoke at length about existing bottlenecks in transmission capacity that could be addressed through a holistic ‘map and plan’ for transmission lines and colocation of solar, wind and battery storage facilities based on the former. ‘This would prevent capital costs from trebling due to only 33% peak loading efficiency,” the dignitary added.

Late Mr. Subir Raha was the Founder President of UN Global Compact Network India and stands tall as a charismatic visionary who left many footprints in the sands of time. He is remembered for propelling ONGC to unscaled heights through his unwavering thrust on cutting-edge technology, increasing efficiency and an appetite for calculated risks. Mr. Raha, as ONGC CMD, was as devoted to each ONGCian as he was to the decisive ventures for the organisation’s growth.

Shuva Raha, daughter of Late Subir Raha, deliberating on sustainable energy transition

During the prestigious annual event held in honour of her late father, Shuva Raha, Subir Raha’s daughter, who Heads the New Initiatives at Council on Energy, Environment and Water, expressed gratitude and acknowledged ONGC’s unwavering commitment to her father’s ideals and purpose. She reflected, “My father’s journey and vision preceded the global fad for clean and green energy. It is interesting to know how ONGC has instituted green initiatives at the micro-level and is pushing for R&D projects related to it. These initiatives go beyond catering to the national demand and profit motive. Connecting everything feels like destiny.”

Chairman & CEO, ONGC, Arun Kumar Singh mentioning solar energy as a great leveler in ensuring India's energy security

Sharing similar thoughts on the occasion, Chairman & CEO, ONGC and President UN-GCNI Arun Kumar Singh recalled the legacy of Subir Raha who through his extraordinary vision had kick-started the Energy Maharatna’s journey to energy sustainability two decades ago. Mr. Singh termed solar energy as a great leveler that was playing its part in ensuring energy security and availability to all corners of the world in the face of burgeoning global energy demand. He assured that fossil fuels and renewables would together be a force multiplier in scripting India’s growth story.

Director (HR) Manish Patil talking about far-reaching impacts of Late Subir Raha’s visions and ideals

Earlier, in his welcome address, Director (HR) Manish Patil reflected, "Subir Raha's contribution to ONGC is an example of unwavering commitment successfully scripting the turnaround story of a PSU. Under his leadership, the Energy behemoth witnessed introduction of cutting-edge technology, transformative governance practices and unmatched global competitiveness."

Glimpses of the Q&A session

The audience included ambassadors, prominent industry executives, senior officials from ONGC and IOCL, media professionals, academicians and students. A short film that portrayed the illustrious life of Mr Subir Raha, was extremely well received by the gathering. This was followed by a Q&A session and the Vote of Thanks was proposed by ED-UN-GCNI Ratnesh Jha. His appreciation and key takeaways marked the conclusion of the event.

For the album

With the mantra of “People pehle, Paper peechhe” (People first, Paperwork later), Subir Raha’s strategic acumen, bold decision-making and unwavering commitment to excellence shaped the industry landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Raha's emphasis on corporate social responsibility, governance and sustainable practices set a benchmark for responsible business conduct. His leadership style, characterized by innovation, inclusivity and a passion for empowering his team, remains an enduring legacy that continues to inspire future generations of leaders.