Sanil C. Namboodiripad: Energizing India’s Future – From Megawatts to Milestones

FEATURE: The power industry is a landscape of constant innovation and transformation, and among its leading figures is Sanil C. Namboodiripad. With a career spanning over three decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s energy future, driving advancements in gas-based power generation and sustainable energy solutions. Currently serving as the Managing Director of ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC), he has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s gas-based power landscape. From his early days at NTPC to his influential positions in leading private sector firms, Namboodiripad’s contributions have been instrumental in ensuring reliable and sustainable power generation in the country.

 

Sanil C. Namboodiripad began his illustrious career with NTPC, India’s largest power utility, where he dedicated 18 years to commissioning and operations of gas-based power plants. His expertise in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) set the foundation for his future leadership roles. Transitioning to the private sector, he worked with Reliance Power, Sterlite Power, and Adani Transmission, gaining extensive experience in coal and gas-based power generation, transmission systems, and asset management.

 

Currently, as the Managing Director of OTPC, he oversees the 726 MW gas-based power plant in Tripura, which meets approximately 30% of the electricity needs of the seven northeastern states. Under his leadership, OTPC has emerged as a model for energy efficiency and cross-border power collaboration, facilitating improved bilateral ties with Bangladesh through the supply of 100 MW of power.

 

India’s power sector is undergoing a profound transformation with the government’s push toward renewable energy. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates that by 2030, India’s installed power capacity will reach 817 GW, with 64% coming from non-fossil fuel sources. Namboodiripad recognizes the importance of this shift and emphasizes the role of gas-based plants in balancing renewable energy generation. “Gas-based plants offer better start-up times and ramp rates compared to coal, making them ideal for balancing the grid while being environmentally sustainable,” he states. However, he also acknowledges the challenges, including gas availability and high storage costs, which need to be addressed to make gas-based power more viable.

 

OTPC is poised for expansion, leveraging its expertise in gas-based power generation. The company is in discussions for cross-border collaborations and has ambitious plans to diversify into solar and wind energy, aligning with India’s broader energy goals.

 

Throughout his career, Namboodiripad has led several landmark projects. One of his most remarkable achievements was the revival of the 2,400 MW Dabhol power plant in Maharashtra, which had been non-operational for five years. As part of NTPC’s core team, he played a crucial role in restarting the plant within three months, alleviating a significant power crisis in the region. His experience also includes overseeing operations for massive coal and gas-based power stations, transmission networks, and renewable energy projects across India.

 

During his tenure as Vice President of O&M at Adani Transmission, he managed a vast network of substations and transmission lines, ensuring efficient power distribution. He has also worked extensively on captive power projects for Reliance Industries and spearheaded strategic asset management initiatives at Sterlite Power.

 

Beyond operational expertise, Namboodiripad is a thought leader in the power industry. He has presented numerous white papers and delivered keynotes at international energy conferences. His insights on power plant automation, integrating control systems with business applications, and optimizing gas turbine operations have contributed significantly to industry best practices. His participation in prestigious conferences, including Gas Turbines Australia and the Power HR Forum in India, underscores his standing as an expert in the field.

 

Under Namboodiripad’s leadership, OTPC has not only focused on operational excellence but also prioritized social responsibility. The company has contributed to the socio-economic growth of the Northeast by providing reliable power at competitive prices, creating employment opportunities, and fostering community development.

 

His commitment to sustainable growth is reflected in OTPC’s initiatives to optimize natural resource utilization while ensuring that local communities benefit from the company’s presence. “We believe in inclusive growth and environmental sustainability, ensuring that our power solutions contribute to long-term progress,” he asserts.

 

Despite his demanding career, Namboodiripad believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A trained mridangam player, he finds solace in music and uses his free time to indulge in his passion for rhythm and melody. Born and raised in Kerala in a conservative family, he pursued his engineering from the University of Calicut and later completed an MBA specializing in finance.

 

As India marches toward a greener and more sustainable energy future, leaders like Sanil C. Namboodiripad will continue to play a critical role in shaping its trajectory. His extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation position him as a driving force in the country’s power sector. With OTPC at the forefront of energy transformation, his leadership is set to drive new milestones in sustainable and efficient power generation for years to come.
At OTPC, the journey has only just begun. “We are excited about our future and confident in our ability to deliver long-term benefits to our stakeholders,” he affirms, underscoring his commitment to pioneering solutions that will power the nation toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

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