24/08/2026
SECI participated in the 6th India Energy Summit & Expo 2026 held in Hyderabad.
During the event, Shri Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director (PS), spoke at the panel discussion on “Powering Rural India: Renewable Energy, Reliable Electricity & Inclusive Growth.”
Speaking on renewable energy for the agriculture and rural sectors, he highlighted the suitability of solar power for agricultural demand, particularly as daytime agricultural load coincides with solar generation hours. He also spoke about the role of decentralised solar plants and solar pumps in providing economical and reliable power to farmers and reducing dependence on conventional sources.
He further spoke about integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems with decentralised solar systems to improve reliability and make power available beyond solar generation hours.
Shri Vepakomma also referred to the importance of skilling in rural areas to support the adoption, operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems. He noted that greater use of economical renewable power for agricultural supply can help reduce the subsidy burden over time, allowing resources to be used more effectively for strengthening and modernising the distribution network.
He also highlighted the role of Gram Panchayats and local bodies in supporting rural renewable energy programmes, including feeder solarisation and decentralised solar pumping, through closer coordination with State DISCOMs.