‘Simulation-based training is the key’

Fueled by a keen interest in power energy and supply, Rohit Ahuja, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park has been working as a business development manager at SolarPack for the last five years. It is a Spanish-based company that offers energy and power supplies to different areas of the country ranging from Delhi, Telangana, Hyderabad, and more.

“Power is the commodity that is ubiquitous,” Rohit said. In a candid interview, he talks about how the school helped shape his career.

Tell us about you and your work.

For the last five years, I have been working at SolarPack, which is a Spanish renewable company, and handling its business development area. We build solar and renewable energy farms to supply power to different states. Even during my school days, I used to participate in different competitions that helped me with my projects. All my internships also focused on the renewable energy sector, which helped me realise I want to contribute to the success of India.

What motivated you to take this career path?

I have always wanted India to become self-reliant when it comes to energy. I hoped that we would never experience a boycott in the power sector, and thankfully, such incidents have not occurred since the last one in 2010.

What are you aiming for?

Given India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, I am actively working towards realising my goal of self-reliance and sustainable energy production.

Was Apeejay School the right institute for shaping your career?

Yes definitely, Apeejay helped me touch greater heights. The students were provided ample opportunities to explore and pursue their dreams. The supportive academic staff encouraged diverse interests, whether in astronomy or mechanics. The school’s commitment to organising various training programmes went beyond traditional lectures, enabling students to develop both interests and contacts in unconventional ways. It was due to the school that I developed an interest in mechanical engineering.

Were you active in any extracurricular activities during your high school years?

I have been quite a nerdy kid since my school days, which does not mean I did not enjoy school life. Though, I actively participated in science programmes, conducting various experiments as a member of the Science Committee.

What were the common challenges you faced during your work life?

The most common challenge faced was that I had to learn the art of establishing contacts to facilitate the development of the infrastructure project in the power sector. My work is not limited to Delhi only. This required me to build connections with the people in government considering the substantial investment required for land acquisition. Another challenge was, if you look back five years, you will find how difficult it was to move a file from one desk to another but things have changed for the better today. Social media has greatly streamlined communication and coordination.

Any technologies used in your field?

Many technologies are used in my profession. To name a few, I often make use of PVsyst. Homer, and Autocad.

Any tips for present Apeejayites?

Every Apeejayite representing the school must feel proud. If you are willing to enter the power sector, you must know that renewable energy offers abundant prospects, and for those genuinely passionate about the technology, hands-on experience is crucial