At Green, we are consistently seeking innovative solutions to tackle the diverse problems we face as a society. One of these problems is the abundance and reliability of clean energy that will help power the way to a more equitable future. In order to address some of these questions, we try to connect with experts in the field – which is how we met Rakesh Belchandan, an electrical engineer focused on improving our electrical grid.
Tell us a little bit about you, your background, and your current role:
I grew up in India in an industrial environment; I saw the inner-workings of utilities from childhood and that’s how I got attracted towards electrical engineering. I am now a passionate electrical engineer with a Bachelors in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Masters in Electrical Engineering.
Currently, I am consulting with a large utility in United States. Each day, I work on making things better for electrical distribution system, which is at the core of my interests and passions. Distribution Systems Planning is so important because it focuses on power system reliability, renewable energy markets, energy policies, data correction, and power flow.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love to play ukelele and I can give anyone a tough fight on eating pancakes!
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
I believe that climate change and sustainability are related. Because of climate change, and hence global warming, the existence of mother earth is in danger. Sustainability is only possible when we save earth by reducing green house gases. It is the utmost responsibility of each one of us to contribute in our own capacity.
Innovators should innovate new energy solutions which don’t produce the culprit gases that heats up earth (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.). Therefore, it is very important to talk about it now and take action. With new research going on in the energy field, I am sure we will overcome this problem soon.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
I think a lot of things will change: people will have options for the energy use, and utility companies may offer green energy with lower energy cost. Companies like Tesla will move forward aggressively with their solar and battery storage system and try to make them affordable and that is a big threat to utilities in long run. Utilities will restructure their business model to remain in business. There will be a two-way communication between utilities and consumers. Consumers will participate actively by demand-response technologies.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
As they say never underestimate the power of a common man; anyone can contribute by using energy more wisely, and by using a sustainable and clean solution of transportation such as public transport and electric vehicles. Some are able to install a small solar farm at the roof of the house and can contribute to the green energy initiative. Anyone can make a difference.
Green.Org is a television show, podcast, social media, and news platform, hosted by Dylan Welch, that highlights climate change scientists, renewable energy experts, and clean tech entrepreneurs by giving them a voice in the mainstream media. The Green podcast highlights leading experts in cleantech, sustainability, media, finance, and real estate. Tune in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple or Spotify to listen to interviews with leading cleantech and sustainable experts. If you are interested in being featured on Green, click HERE.
