Amlan Kanti Das
Bio
Amlan Kanti Das brings over 29 years of extensive experience spanning Operations, Technology Management, Project & Engineering, and Product Development & Research & Development. Prior to joining Luminous Power Technology, he held pivotal roles in several technology-driven firms in India, including Exide Industries Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, and Gujarat Guardian (a United States-based MNC). As the Senior Vice President at Luminous Power Technology Pvt. Limited, a Schneider group company, Amlan oversees Operations, Research & Development, and EHS for the Power Storage Business Division. A key member of the Executive Management Committee, he has spearheaded efforts to establish the highest quality standards, ensuring unparalleled customer satisfaction through process excellence. His leadership in Research & Development has led to the creation of a robust portfolio of products, with multiple patent-pending applications to his credit. A sought-after speaker, Amlan has shared his expertise at prestigious events such as ILZDA, ABC, IBMA, and ELBC.
Driven by a commitment to green, sustainable manufacturing practices, Amlan has championed initiatives across Luminous’ manufacturing plants. The Hosur plant’s achievement of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) stands as a testament to his vision, alongside projects like the 1MW and 100KW solar rooftop installations at the Haridwar and Gagret plants. Under his stewardship, Luminous has clinched five consecutive sustainability awards (Indian Green Manufacturing Challenge) from 2018 to 2022. His leadership has also ushered in enhancements in efficiency, production rate, cost optimization, work quality, and, notably, worker safety.
Amlan holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bengal Engineering College and has pursued executive programs on organizational leadership from the University of North Carolina and INSEAD, the Business School of Fontainebleau.
With a profound understanding of cutting-edge topics such as Industry 4.0, Frugal Innovation in new product development, Sustainable supply chains, the Role of power storage in India’s burgeoning economy, and Emerging energy storage technologies & markets, Amlan actively engages in national and international forums. His insights are further disseminated through contributions to various online platforms.
Amlan’s influence extends beyond corporate realms; he played a pivotal role in founding the Indian Battery Manufacturing Association (IBMA) and currently chairs its Technical Standards Committee.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Amlan is an avid singer, pianist, and football enthusiast, embodying a rich tapestry of interests and talents.
The potential of batteries to store and release renewable energy makes them a crucial tool for decarbonization. Although battery storage development has predominantly occurred in developed markets, emerging markets are poised to capture over 40% of the global market by 2030 due to energy sector globalization. This growth is expected to be driven mainly by South Asia (particularly India), Africa, and the Middle East. Recent trends indicate that the solar energy sector presents significant opportunities within the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) segment. Governmental initiatives and mass manufacturing have led to a notable reduction in the cost of solar panels, which in turn lowers the initial investment for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Similarly, declining costs in energy storage have enhanced the cost competitiveness of solar energy infrastructures.
Lead-acid batteries present a viable energy storage solution in emerging markets due to their affordability, established infrastructure, and recyclable nature. Their lower initial cost compared to advanced technologies like lithium-ion makes them attractive in price-sensitive regions. Technological advancements, such as improved grid designs and gelled or AGM variants, enhance their performance and lifespan. Lead-acid batteries are particularly suitable for off-grid power systems and backup applications, supporting rural electrification and economic development. Understanding the competitive landscape and market dynamics will aid in effectively tapping into this potential market.
Lead acid batteries in the emerging energy storage segment can cater to the following use case:
Diesel fuel displacement: Batteries can be a good replacement for diesel in emerging markets. While they have a higher up-front cost than diesel-fired generators, their running costs are lower over time. When coupled with renewable generation, they also drastically reduce carbon emissions relative to diesel use.
Rooftop Solar: Rapid urbanization of emerging markets lead to mass exodus of rural community towards the urban areas, leading to rapid surge in power requirements in Urban settings. To cater this requirement Rooftop solar with lead acid batteries gives an excellent opportunity to the prosumers.
Bill management and Backup power: Lead-acid batteries can also help manage electricity bills and provide backup power, addressing the needs of both residential and commercial users in growing urban areas.
