Energetica India Magazine January-February 2021

not traditionally employ women in larger numbers. I personally feel that the opportunities in the sector are gender agnostic and there are no real entry barriers for anyone. Over the years, I have found a larger represen- tation of women in the solar sector. Even within my own organisation, you will now find more women employees across all functions, including technical as well as field operations. What is your message for other women on joining the re- newable energy industry in terms of scope/opportunities in the sector? What skill sets they require? Ritu Lal : The Renewable Energy industry is growing very rapidly, and so are the jobs in this sector. Yes, the female to male ratio is a bit low, but it is gradually improving as organisations are also looking at ways to make the work- place more equitable. I encourage women to apply for jobs in solar, as this is an exciting area to work in, with tremendous growth opportunities. How important is the role of family in maintaining a bal- ance between office work and family life for a working woman? Ritu Lal : Often, in countries like India that have stringently defined roles for women in society, many talented wom - en have had to give up on their careers, especially after motherhood. Creating a more equitable balance as well as redefining the stereotypical gender roles is the need of the hour. It is incumbent upon both, families as well as employers, to create a supportive environment that helps women navigate their careers successfully. Workplace policies that are flexible and encourage male employ - ees to take greater responsibilities pertaining to parenting and home are also needed. Where did you see Indian renewable energy industry’s road towards ‘AatmNirbhar’ in next five years? Ritu Lal : While the idea of AatmaNirbharta is great, we also must ensure that the policy goes beyond being a mere slogan. In the energy sector, the end goal, in my opinion, should be 24x7 energy access and availability for all. Is the availability of right kind of skilled manpower in the Indian renewables industry a challenge? What more could be done to tap this as an opportunity for India? Ritu Lal : Availability of skilled manpower in Construction and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) remains a chal- lenge. Skill development in these areas needs greater focus, especially O&M. Since Renewable Energy plants owe their performance to regular cleaning as well as pre- ventive O&M, this sector also has the opportunity to pro- vide long-term employment to both skilled as well as the semi-skilled workers. Your outlook on the present state of rooftop solar sector in India? Ritu Lal : The savings from rooftop solar have propelled its growth in the C&I segment. However, as the same C&I customers are responsible for the Discom revenues and cross-subsidy recoveries, Discoms have started los- ing from the C&I adoption of rooftop solar. This has led to major retaliatory roadblocks for C&I rooftop solar from the states desperate to protect their already distressed utilities. However, rooftop solar need not be a tussle between Dis- coms and large rooftop owners. It is possible to ensure an equitable sharing of the savings realised from rooftop solar between the rooftop generator and the Discom. It is imperative that this issue is addressed and correct- ed immediately, as rooftop solar is an ideal solution for a country like India, where land is expensive, and resources limited. energetica INDIA- Jan-Feb_2021 33 WOMEN INFLUENCER