Dinkar M. Jethva is executive director of Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL). He has had an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the power sector. He began at the Ukai TPS as a graduate apprentice in 1989, and underwent a year of extensive training on the O&M of power plants at NPTI, Nagpur. Subsequently, he worked his way through the ranks to reach the position of executive director at Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL).
He has experience in various aspects of power generation including operations, maintenance, power plant optimisation, and project planning and execution. He has extensive knowledge of different types of power generation technologies, and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements and environmental considerations related to power generation.
He was instrumental in addressing multiple challenges in the highly complex and dynamic power sector with his leadership training skills. His family has been in the teaching profession; hence, Jethva considers teaching and training to be his cup of tea.
The most exciting part of his current role at GSECL is his all-round involvement in promoting renewables aggressively in the state, while equally emphasising repair and maintenance of the existing fleet to improve and sustain efficiency.
“Gujarat has set ambitious renewable energy targets to increase its share in the overall energy mix. The state aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity addition of 42 GW by 2030, with a focus on solar and wind power generation. To this end, Gujarat has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote renewable energy development, such as offering incentives for renewable energy projects, streamlining approval processes and facilitating grid integration. The state has also established a conducive regulatory framework and infrastructure to support the growth of renewable energy projects,” he says, adding that Gujarat has come out with multiple policies for renewable power development since 2009. The Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy, 2023 covers all major renewable sources. “A diverse energy mix is the only solution against all the upcoming challenges in the power sector,” he says.
Taking market realities into account, the policy’s objective is outlined along with a clear roadmap, guided by five principles – clarity, certainty, compensation, convergence and choice. It aims to set ambitious but achievable targets, ensure consistent provisions and bring transparency in implementation and monitoring processes.
There should be certainty regarding incentives, sales migration charges and processes in the medium term. For compensation, it is critical to ensure that distribution companies and other utilities are compensated adequately for the risks and services provided to promote renewable energy and facilitate sales migration.
Jethva shares that efficiency improvements in thermal units can reduce the number of thermal projects to be phased. This will ensure that thermal capacity remains operational, providing the balancing power to the grid as the penetration of renewables increases.
“GSECL is planning 3,200 MW of coal-based supercritical technology brownfield projects across the state, and 3,000 MW of floating solar projects and pithead plants in Odisha. Moreover, feasibility studies and DPR preparation of 3,000 MW of pumped storage projects is in the pipeline. India’s first large-scale 57 MWh battery energy storage system with a 35 MW solar project was initiated and commissioned under my leadership,” says Jethva.
Jethva’s management style depends on factors such as the company’s culture, challenges and goals. It is a blend of several key approaches tailored to the specific context and needs of the organisation, focused on inspiring and motivating employees, and quick decision-making.
By training, Jethva is a graduate engineer in mechanical engineering from Saurashtra University. He also holds an MBA in Operations Management, as well as an LLB. He is a fellow member of The Institution of Engineers and a BEE-certified energy manager and auditor.
When he is not busy working, he likes to spend time with his family, help the underprivileged, read, learn and travel. His goals include sharing his knowledge with industry stakeholders through consultation or mentoring, and contributing to social causes. N
