SECI Chairman Akash Tripathi Outlines Vision Beyond Solar for India's Clean Energy Future

India's clean energy journey is often framed around solar. But the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is looking at a broader canvas. On September 19, 2026, IAS Akash Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of SECI, spoke about the corporation's vision for the country's clean energy future at an event covered by Whispers in the Corridors.

Tripathi, a senior bureaucrat, has been at the helm of SECI, the government's nodal agency for renewable energy implementation. Under his leadership, SECI has continued to drive solar auctions and expand into new areas. His remarks come at a time when India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Beyond solar: a diversified portfolio

SECI's mandate has evolved. While solar remains a cornerstone, the agency is now actively promoting wind, hybrid projects, and energy storage. Tripathi highlighted the need for a mix of technologies to ensure round-the-clock power supply. He pointed to SECI's role in conducting auctions for wind-solar hybrid projects and battery energy storage systems.

The push for energy storage is critical. As India adds more variable renewable capacity, grid stability becomes a challenge. SECI has been auctioning storage-linked projects to address this. Tripathi's comments suggest that storage will be a key pillar of SECI's strategy going forward.

Green hydrogen and new frontiers

Tripathi also touched upon green hydrogen, an emerging sector where India has set ambitious targets. SECI is tasked with implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. The agency has already floated tenders for green hydrogen production and electrolyser manufacturing.

In addition, SECI is exploring offshore wind, though that sector is still nascent in India. Tripathi's vision includes using India's long coastline for offshore wind projects, which could provide additional clean power.

Challenges and the road ahead

Despite progress, challenges remain. Land acquisition, transmission infrastructure, and financing are persistent hurdles. Tripathi acknowledged these issues but remained optimistic. He stressed the importance of policy stability and industry collaboration.

SECI's role as an intermediary between the government and developers is crucial. It conducts auctions, signs power purchase agreements, and ensures timely payments. Tripathi's leadership will be tested as the agency navigates an increasingly complex energy landscape.

Industry watchers note that SECI's success in solar auctions has been a model for other countries. Extending that success to storage and green hydrogen will require new approaches. Tripathi's comments signal that SECI is ready to adapt.

As India races to meet its climate goals, SECI's vision under Tripathi will shape the country's energy transition. The focus on a diversified portfolio, storage, and green hydrogen reflects a maturing renewable energy sector. The coming years will show whether these plans translate into on-ground capacity.