Our transition to clean energy requires a layered approach that slowly and steadily eliminates our dependence on fossil fuels. The road to achieving this is neither smooth nor easy !

Adithya Vangari, our next pathbreaker, Engineering Project Manager at Hitachi Energy (Sweden), tackles infrastructure instability issues that arise when integrating large-scale renewable energy sources into the conventional electrical grid.

Adithya talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his work on HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission technology that integrates renewable energy sources such as offshore wind farms in the North Sea, to the mainland energy grid.

For students, seek out opportunities that challenge you and broaden your perspective, such as internships or projects that connect different disciplines, while also developing your soft skills !.

Adithya, can you share your background with our young readers?

Born and raised in Nashik, Maharashtra, I come from a first-generation household, meaning my parents were the first in their families to provide an environment emphasizing the importance of education. My father worked as a supervisor in a government factory, and my mother was a homemaker. Despite their limited formal education, they instilled in me the value of learning and ensured I attended a good school, learned English, and developed a hunger for knowledge.

After achieving a score of approximately 90% in my 10th standard exams, my parents gave me the freedom to pursue any career path. Inspired by my father’s technical expertise and his work in a large factory, I decided to pursue electrical engineering.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I prepared diligently for the engineering entrance exams and successfully cleared the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) with a decent score, securing admission to a reputable local engineering college in Nashik, K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education and Research (KKWIEER), which is currently ranked among the top 10 engineering institutes in Maharashtra.

My life took a transformative turn once I joined the engineering program. During my four years of study, I focused on excelling academically and networking with professors. I authored three technical research papers presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) conferences and completed two industry-focused internships. These experiences helped build my profile and played a crucial role in landing my first job after earning my Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree – a position in the Graduate Engineering Program at Torrent Power India, one of the largest private energy companies in India.

Securing a position at Torrent Power was a significant milestone in my life, boosting my confidence, as only nine final-year engineering students were selected from an applicant pool of about 500 from major cities across Maharashtra. This experience motivated me to explore opportunities abroad. I was particularly inspired by the research at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, which aligned with the training at Torrent Power’s Graduate Engineering Program.

I worked diligently on my applications and was fortunate to receive a full scholarship (approximately 40,000 EUR) to pursue my Master’s degree in Electrical Power Systems and Automation Engineering.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career in HVDC?

My Father: He played a crucial role in sparking my interest in the field of engineering. His work and dedication greatly influenced my career choice.

My Professors: They encouraged me to pursue research in green energy technologies, such as solar and wind energy, which further fuelled my passion for this field.

My Sister: She was a diligent student who pursued a technical field in electrical and industrial design engineering. Her dedication and success in her career have been a source of inspiration and motivation for me.

My Mother: Although my mother did not attend university for a graduate degree, she was instrumental in helping me develop critical skills such as empathy, creative problem-solving, and teamwork. I realized the importance of these skills only after leading a team of engineers. In life, your success largely depends on the soft skills you bring to the team rather than just your intelligence.

Admission to a Reputable Engineering College: Securing a spot in a well-regarded engineering college (K K Wagh Institute Engineering and Research) was a significant milestone that set the foundation for my career.

Publishing Research Papers: I was the only student in my batch to have three research papers published at IEEE-USA international conferences. This achievement helped me stand out during recruitment and significantly boosted my confidence.

1st Job after undergraduate program: Joining the Graduate Engineering Program at Torrent Power was a pivotal moment in my career, providing me with valuable experience and reinforcing my passion for electrical engineering. At the age of 21, I led a team of five technicians, overseeing safety inspections and quality assurance audits in the high voltage power distribution segment of Navi Mumbai’s industrial corridor. This early experience instilled in me the importance of responsibility and leadership, teaching me how to lead a team with empathy and diligence.

Scholarship to Aalto University: Receiving a full scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering at Aalto University was a major turning point in my life. This opportunity allowed me to further my education and specialize in my field of interest. Coming from a humble background, the scholarship made it possible for me to explore Scandinavian and North European countries such as Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. I gained unique insights into their cultures, societies, and various policies, laws, and regulations, which helped me become a well-rounded professional.

KTH and Aalto have a strong collaboration agreement. Both are ranked among the top technical research institutes in Finland and Sweden, respectively. They are part of a consortium called the Nordic Tech 5 University Collaboration Agreement, which includes the top technical institutes from five Nordic countries and are funded by the federal government and the EU education department. This collaboration allows students to pursue a truly multidisciplinary education in their master’s studies, a fact that is not widely known among Asian students. I have added the website for your better understanding.

Website: https://www.nordicfivetech.org/

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

My career in the green energy sector began with an internship at TDK Electronics, where I developed foundational skills in electrical software design, product manufacturing, and inventory management. This experience led to a role in the Graduate Engineering Program at Torrent Power, where I focused on energy distribution grid design and maintenance. During this time, I gained a deeper understanding of organizational structures within energy companies, further honing my technical expertise and leadership abilities.

I have strategically approached each career move by prioritising skill development and staying informed about industry trends. A significant transition in my career occurred when I moved to Helsinki, Finland, to pursue my MSc degree. I prepared for this shift by networking with professors and researchers in various segments of electrical engineering, allowing me to align my career with my passion for renewable energy.

My MSc program required me to write an original thesis, typically involving an industry-related project. The title of my master’s thesis was “Integrating Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Operations for Spare Parts.” In this project, I developed a Blockchain Minimum Viable Product (MVP) network model for the city of Gothenburg, which improved supply chain traceability by 55%, reduced losses by 4% (amounting to $3k), and increased product availability by 2% in Q1 2019.

Link to my research, with Volvo Group’s sensitive data redacted: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/items/1a731e7c-1a93-4850-a387-a52e8190225b

I started my career as Demand & Inventory Planner at Volvo Penta. Volvo Penta is a world-leading supplier of engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications.

I worked on optimizing Volvo Penta’s demand and inventory planning processes for the aftermarket segment EMEA region, resulting in a 15% reduction in excess inventory, a 20% improvement in demand forecasting accuracy, and a yearly cost savings of $500k . I was also responsible for demand and inventory planning for Volvo Penta’s EMEA aftermarket segment with an inventory valuation of $65m.

I then moved to the role of Demand & Inventory Planner at the Electromobility group at Volvo where I drove the aftermarket demand and inventory planning initiative for the Volvo Group Electromobility project (Battery systems)

I spearheaded the design and implementation of an AI-driven demand forecasting tool for battery systems in the EMEA region, optimizing inventory management and generating ~$1m in additional revenue. I was also the founding member of the ‘Volvo Group aftermarket sustainability club’, orchestrated monthly workshops for 25 operations planners

I Incorporated sustainability framework in the development of an inventory planning tool for critical spare parts, reducing air-freight order fulfillment by 50%, cutting $1.5m in expenses, and capturing ~1.1m metric tons of CO2 emissions per annum

Currently, as an Engineering Project Manager at Hitachi Energy, I lead projects like the DolWin 5 offshore wind farm and the NordWest Hub project. In these roles, I am responsible for designing HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current ) transmission technology that connects offshore wind farms to the German national grid. My work focuses on addressing infrastructure instability issues and contributing to the energy transition by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Our projects involve designing multi-terminal HVDC hubs to connect new extra high-voltage direct current networks across Europe, representing a significant step toward achieving a climate-neutral energy grid for Germany.

In this role, I have supervised equipment testing and installations ($2m budget) in Germany and system design conformity audit for the integration of a 920 MW offshore wind farm located in the North Sea to the German energy grid, capturing ~5.35m metric tons of CO2 annually

How did you get your first break?

Getting my first break in the green energy sector required significant dedication and preparation. When I decided to apply for the Graduate Engineering Program at Torrent Power, I knew it was a competitive process. The program required candidates to pass a rigorous three-hour written aptitude exam, with a minimum qualifying score in the 90th percentile.

To prepare, I spent hundreds of hours improving my aptitude skills in quantitative ability and verbal reasoning. I practiced extensively with sample questions and dedicated time each day to ensure I mastered these areas. I also revised all major electrical engineering concepts to ensure I was well-prepared for any technical questions that might arise.

Additionally, I conducted mock interviews with my seniors, which helped me gain confidence and improve my interview skills. Their feedback was invaluable in refining my responses and understanding what recruiters were looking for in candidates.

All this preparation paid off when I was accepted into the program. It was my first significant step into the energy sector, and it set the foundation for my career by providing me with the necessary skills and experience to excel in this field.

As part of my master’s program, I needed to complete a research project in an industrial setting. I was fortunate to join the Volvo Group Graduate Thesis program, which functioned like a full-time job, allowing me to work with the industry to solve real-world problems. By the end of my thesis project, the Volvo Group operations management team appreciated my work and offered me a position. This is how I secured my first job after completing my master’s program.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve? 

I currently work as an Engineering Project Manager for Hitachi Energy based out of Sweden.

On a day-to-day basis, I tackle infrastructure instability issues that arise when integrating large-scale renewable energy sources into the conventional electrical grid. I address this challenge by designing and developing High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission technology, which enables the connection of remote power production facilities, such as the DolWin 5 offshore wind farms (920 MW) generating clean energy in the North Sea, to the German national energy grid.

What skills are required for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

My job requires a blend of technical skills, including electrical engineering, energy engineering, and electronics engineering, as well as management skills such as negotiation, financial modelling, risk assessment, and team management to succeed. I acquired these skills through a combination of formal education, hands-on experience in various engineering roles, and professional development courses focused on leadership and project management.

What’s a typical day like?

I start most of my days with a team meeting, which varies depending on the project. I typically support a team of 12-15 engineers, ensuring they have all the technical input needed to perform their jobs effectively. Additionally, I prioritize the well-being of my team by having one-on-one conversations to ensure they are mentally and emotionally stable, offering support as needed.

Following the team meeting, I have multiple client-facing meetings where I coordinate, collaborate, and occasionally negotiate with customer management teams. These interactions are crucial for aligning project goals and maintaining strong client relationships.

What is it you love about this job?

What I love about my job as an Engineering Project Manager at Hitachi Energy is the opportunity to make a significant impact on society and the environment. I enjoy solving infrastructure issues by developing HVDC transmission technology that integrates renewable energy sources, like the DolWin 5 offshore wind farms, into the grid. The role allows me to blend my technical expertise with management skills while collaborating with talented engineers and clients. Contributing to sustainability and seeing the positive effects of our work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is incredibly fulfilling.

How does your work benefit society? 

As the Engineering Project Manager at Hitachi Energy, I have overseen the development of three major projects in the field of HVDC transmission technology. My work benefits society by connecting large green energy power systems, such as offshore wind farms in the North Sea, to the mainland energy grid. This technology enables us to harness abundant wind energy from the sea and deliver it to mainland Germany, significantly reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources like coal and natural gas. I believe this has a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

Apart from my day job, I am the founder of a non-profit organization called Nordic Asia Impact (NAI), which grew to 150 members across 11 countries, organized lectures/courses for ~1,000 students in rural India

We forged a partnership with the Smart Village Movement Initiative (in alliance with UC Berkeley Haas School of Business) and the consulting club at HEC Paris to deliver rural development projects in the state of Meghalaya, India (Capital impact $15k)

This initiative pioneered a collaboration with ‘The Agency for Renewable Energy Technology’, Government of Kerala (India) to deliver projects in Kerala ($4k budget), increased Solar micro-grid (10kW) efficiency by 40%, and installed a wind energy system (3kW) 

We also established a partnership with Ukraine Impact Projects (an ESMT Berlin initiative) and the Bain – Mannheim office to deliver a consulting project to a startup (growth stage) VanOnGo, Ukraine (Capital impact $6k). 

Our primary goal is to support sustainability-focused projects by connecting resources from the Nordics and EU to Asia. Recently, NAI completed several projects focused on rural electrification. My team designed a microgrid and conducted technology due diligence for purchasing electrical equipment. As a result of our efforts, a local school was electrified. This project was particularly rewarding for me because it demonstrated the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

My advice to students is to pursue a balance between technical expertise and soft skills. While a strong foundation in your field is essential, skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict management are equally important. Seek out opportunities that challenge you and broaden your perspective, such as internships or projects that connect different disciplines. Stay curious and open to learning from diverse cultures and industries, as this will enrich your professional journey and help you make a meaningful impact in your field.

Future Plans?

My future plans focus on advancing my career in the green energy sector and making a significant impact on the global energy transition. I aim to leverage my expertise in HVDC transmission technology to create innovative solutions that integrate renewable energy sources into traditional power grids.

To achieve this, I am currently pursuing a PMP certification and enhancing my management skills through on-the-job training and Hitachi’s learning platforms. These initiatives will strengthen my ability to lead complex projects and strategic initiatives in the energy industry. My goal is to work on projects that address infrastructure instability and drive sustainable energy solutions, particularly in emerging markets like India, where I plan to relocate in the future.

In the long term, I aspire to transition into venture capital, focusing on investments in clean energy startups that have the potential to transform the energy landscape. By combining my technical expertise with enhanced project management skills, I hope to foster innovation and support the development of cutting-edge technologies that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Additionally, I plan to continue networking with industry leaders and collaborating on projects that leverage best practices from global markets, especially in response to policy shifts such as the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Bill. This approach will help me stay at the forefront of industry trends and bring valuable insights to the projects I undertake.