Driving India’s Sustainable Future: Simarpreet Singh, Founder of Hartek Solar, Shares Insights on Renewable Energy Initiatives and Innovations

1. Hartek Group has been actively involved in fostering a net zero-emission future through solar panels. Can you share some insights into the strategies and initiatives the company has undertaken to empower this vision?

Hartek Solar, a fully-owned subsidy of Hartek Group, is actively propelling India toward its net-zero emissions target through multiple avenues. As one of India’s top three rooftop solar installers, we’ve installed over 100 MWp of rooftop solar, fostering clean energy adoption. At a group level we have been involvement in the execution of approximately 7 GW of solar grid connectivity has curbed over 150 MT of CO2 emissions since 2009.

We are strengthening our partnership with industries, and buildings to meet their decarbonisation and sustainability goals by providing them clean and reliable power. 

In our next phase, we’re committed to reducing emissions in challenging sectors such as refining, fertilizers and steel by venturing into Green Hydrogen. This innovative approach not only curbs emissions but also diminishes fuel imports, preventing further carbon emissions. Hartek Solar’s multifaceted efforts align with India’s pursuit of a net-zero emissions future.

2. Solar innovation plays a vital role in decarbonization efforts. Could you highlight some of the innovative solutions and technologies that Hartek Group is implementing to contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow through solar energy?

Hartek Group is committed to advancing sustainable solutions in solar energy. Some innovative initiatives include:

Centralized and Decentralized Solutions: Hartek Group provides a comprehensive range of solar infrastructure solutions, both centralized and decentralized. This ensures adaptability to various scales of energy needs, promoting efficiency and accessibility.

Green Hydrogen Integration: By venturing into Green Hydrogen, Hartek Group showcases a forward-thinking approach. With the expertise we have built over the years in the power & solar infrastructure business, the production of green hydrogen is the next frontier where Hartek hopes to contribute to India’s Net Zero goals by helping the hard-to-abate industries like refining, heavy automobiles & steel etc. by achieving their decarbonisation goals. 

Round-the-Clock Power Supply: Hartek Group’s focus on continuous power supply aligns with the vision of harnessing solar energy during the day and utilizing excess energy for hydrogen production. This enhances reliability and availability of renewable energy.

Tech Partnerships: Collaborating with technology partners demonstrates a commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. These partnerships likely bring in expertise and advancements that further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of solar solutions.

Concept to Commissioning: Providing a one-stop solution from concept to commissioning streamlines the solar infrastructure development process, making it more accessible for clients and facilitating a smoother transition to renewable energy.

In summary, Hartek Group’s innovative solutions encompass a holistic approach to solar energy, incorporating diverse technologies and strategic partnerships to contribute significantly to the global decarbonization efforts.

3. Green hydrogen is gaining prominence as a complementary source of renewable energy. How does Hartek Group see the integration of green hydrogen with solar panels as a synergistic path to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future?

Hartek Group recognizes green hydrogen as a pivotal element in advancing renewable energy. By integrating green hydrogen with solar panels, we create a synergistic approach for a cleaner and sustainable energy future. On India’s journey towards a Net Zero future, we expect Green Hydrogen to play a critical role in helping heavy polluting industries to significantly reduce emissions. Green hydrogen as a fuel for heavy transportation like Trucks, buses etc. will help to decarbonise the transportation sector as well. Green Hydrogen allows us the ability to harness surplus solar energy, addressing intermittency issues and supporting round-the-clock power generation. As we extend our legacy into the Commercial, Industrial and Utility sector by hand-picking and leveraging our infrastructure support to entities like SVJN, NTPC, and NHPC, we aim to contribute to a more robust and reliable renewable energy ecosystem.

We are fully dedicated to playing a substantial role in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, positioning ourselves as a major player in this emerging space. Hartek is committed to advancing India’s journey towards becoming a global renewable energy leader and fostering a sustainable future. 

We are deeply committed to playing a substantial role in the emerging Green Hydrogen sector. We intend to engage in both EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and development aspects, contributing to India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and addressing the pressing need for cleaner energy alternatives. These expansion plans reflect our dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions and maintaining our position at the forefront of renewable energy technologies.

4. We understand that Hartek Solar is currently working on constructing India’s first downstream solar plant at Bhakra Nangal Dam. Could you provide details about the project’s objectives, scale, and the impact it is  expected to have on the renewable energy landscape in the region?

Hartek Solar’s downstream solar plant at Bhakra Nangal Dam aims to generate 21 MW of peak DC power using bifacial solar modules. Designed to withstand the complexity of the dam and operate at a max water rate of 1M/second, the project is set to be commissioned by March 31st. With a focus on sustainability, the use of bifacial modules contributes to additional gains and ensures a project life of 25 years in collaboration with SJVN Green Energy Ltd. The plant’s innovative design addresses water conservation by minimizing evaporation and utilizing floating water, while natural cooling enhances overall yield. This project is poised to make a significant impact on India’s renewable energy landscape, showcasing technological advancements and a commitment to long-term sustainability.

5. Hartek Group has set ambitious goals, including achieving a sales target of Rs. 10,000 crore by 2030. What key strategies and milestones are in place to reach this goal, and how does it align with the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions?

Hartek Group is steadfastly working towards its ambitious Rs. 10,000 crore sales target by 2030 through a comprehensive strategy. Positioned uniquely to offer solutions ranging from 400V LT panels to 400 KV grids, the company effectively caters to diverse industry needs. Aligned with India’s net-zero target, Hartek is actively contributing to decarbonizing major sectors, including Power, Industry, Transport, and Buildings. Key milestones include grid modernization, connecting 7 GW of solar power, manufacturing power distribution products, and leading in rooftop and floating solar projects. In addressing India’s significant carbon emissions, particularly in the identified sectors, Hartek’s initiatives resonate with McKinsey’s report on Decarbonization. The Smart City Business Unit further reinforces sustainability goals through intelligent infrastructure projects and SCADA technology for efficient grid management. This holistic approach underscores Hartek Group’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and its pivotal role in India’s evolving energy landscape.