The Union Government has appointed Akash Tripathi as the new Managing Director of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), tasking him with steering India’s ambitious renewable energy goals. An experienced IAS officer with a strong track record across power, technology, and administration, Tripathi brings strategic vision and executional expertise at scale. His leadership is expected to accelerate SECI’s initiatives in solar, green hydrogen, energy storage, and other clean energy projects, reinforcing India’s push toward a sustainable future.
With the 2030 deadline for achieving 500 GW of renewable energy generation drawing near, the Union Government is leaving no stone unturned to meet this ambitious target.
In a major push to expand solar power capacity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) largest-ever 300 MW solar photovoltaic project at Ramagiri, Andhra Pradesh, shortly after the appointment of its new Managing Director, Akash Tripathi.
Tripathi, an IAS officer, assumed office last month and has already hit the ground running. His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), is in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary to the Government of India. Prior to joining SECI, he served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power. His extensive portfolio includes roles such as CEO of MyGov, MD & CEO of DIC, CEO of India Semiconductor Mission under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Divisional Commissioner of Indore, Principal Secretary of Technical Education in Bhopal, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare in Bhopal, Secretary (Energy) in the Government of Madhya Pradesh, MD of M.P. Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Co Ltd, Additional Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, and Collector of Indore, Gwalior, Morena, and Balaghat. He holds a B.E. in Electronics & Telecom Engineering and an MBA in Finance.
MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi noted that Tripathi brings dedicated leadership for execution at scale, stronger institutional coordination, and delivery across emerging priorities such as green hydrogen, energy storage, and green energy projects.
SECI, a designated agency under MNRE, is tasked with implementing national renewable energy initiatives, including competitive bidding for solar, wind, hybrid, energy storage, offshore wind, and green hydrogen projects. The foundation-laying ceremony for this 300 MW solar PV project marks a landmark for SECI, being its largest self-owned solar installation to date.
Spanning over 1,000 acres, this project is strategically significant, contributing directly to India’s ambitious renewable energy goals. Beyond energy generation, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions, promote socio-economic development, enhance local infrastructure and connectivity, and create both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Since its inception, SECI has spearheaded innovation in the renewable energy sector through unique project models. Initiatives such as solar-wind hybrids (with or without energy storage), Round-the-Clock (RTC) power supply, Renewable Energy (RE) with assured peak power, and Firm and Dispatchable RE (FDRE) have significantly expanded the renewable energy ecosystem, facilitating optimal uptake across states as per evolving sectoral needs.
SECI’s transparent e-bidding model has been a key driver in reducing renewable energy tariffs, boosting green energy access, and attracting both domestic and international investments. The model has enhanced project bankability and ensured payment security, further strengthening the sector.
As an implementing agency for solar, wind, and hybrid projects, SECI releases tenders for the selection of renewable energy developers on a Pan-India or state-specific basis. Selection is conducted through a tariff-based competitive e-bidding procedure, followed by a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the successful bidders. Back-to-back 25-year Power Sale Agreements (PSA) are established with DISCOMs or other buying entities. SECI monitors project progress during implementation and post-commissioning, handling all legal and commercial matters throughout the PPA period, including project decommissioning at the end of the term.
In recent developments, Oriana Power won a SECI auction in August 2025 to supply 60,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen transition programme, quoting a tariff of ₹52.25 per kg. In July 2025, SECI awarded ACME Cleantech Solutions the tender to supply 75,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia to 12 fertiliser plants, while NTPC Renewable Energy was awarded a tender in August 2025 for supplying 70,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia. In 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of ₹197.44 billion (~$2.3 billion), aimed at promoting production, utilisation, export, and demand creation for green hydrogen.
Under Akash Tripathi’s dynamic leadership, SECI is set to accelerate India’s renewable energy ambitions, blending strategic vision with execution at scale. His experience and focus on innovation, green hydrogen, and energy storage position him as a transformative force, driving the nation closer to its 500 GW target while fostering sustainable growth and socio-economic impact.
