Engineering for Decarbonization
At international conferences, Pravin Sankhwar captivated audiences with his insights on EV charging infrastructure for gasoline stations and the application of floating solar photovoltaic systems. He demonstrated how solar panels on lakes could reduce water evaporation and generate clean energy, addressing critical global challenges. His concepts for converting gasoline stations into EV charging hubs offered practical solutions for electrification. The applause he received wasn’t just for his ideas but for his ability to blend innovation, engineering excellence, and impactful solutions in the field of decarbonization.
Pravin Sankhwar, a visionary in electrical engineering, has made significant contributions to EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy, and electrical power distribution systems. A graduate of the prestigious Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, he began his career at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, managing plant engineering operations and design projects. “Those early years taught me precision and the potential of engineering to drive real-world change,” he reflects. To further his expertise, he pursued a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Michigan Technological University, paving the way for a transformative career in advanced power engineering.
His career is marked by transformative projects that blend engineering innovation with sustainability. Being a licensed Professional Engineer and certified professional by US Green Building Council and the International Code Council, he has led large-scale infrastructure projects, designed energy-efficient lighting systems, and developed advanced EV charging concepts. A sought-after speaker at global conferences, he shares insights on electrification and renewable energy. “Clean energy transitions aren’t just about technology,” he says. “They’re about creating practical, scalable, and impactful systems.”
Pravin’s innovative work in EV charging systems, energy management, smart grid integration, and solar photovoltaics stands out. His research demonstrates how: EV chargers integrate with power grids, home energy management systems conserves energy, and floating solar panels generate clean energy while enhancing ecosystems. He has extensively studied rising energy demands from EV transitions in the US, providing 30-year plans for utilities and governments. His blend of technical expertise and environmental focus has
earned him global recognition, including the 2024 Global Recognition Award and the Titan Award for Electrical Engineering.
Despite his technical achievements, Pravin is far from being just an electrical engineer. He is also a poet, a mentor, and an advocate for sustainability. His published poetry reflects his love for nature and his commitment to preserving it. “Poetry is my motivator and gives me balance,” he says. “It reminds me why I do what I do—to protect the environment that inspires me.” In his personal time, Pravin meditates, spends time outdoors, and engages in charitable activities. He also takes pride in parenting his young children, finding joy in their curiosity and creativity. “Family time keeps me grounded,” he shares. “It’s the foundation that allows me to push boundaries in my work.”
Pravin’s leadership style is transformational and equally rooted in collaboration and empowerment. Whether guiding a team of engineers or mentoring young professionals, he fosters an environment where ideas thrive, and innovation flourishes. “Leadership isn’t about just managing,” he explains. “It’s about enabling others to succeed and creating a shared vision for the future.” Colleagues often seek his advice, valuing his ability to offer constructive feedback and guide complex projects to successful outcomes.
His inspiration comes from a deeply personal place. “Life is short; in here, we grow short like life so short,” he says, quoting his own poetry. This philosophy drives his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to creating solutions that benefit both people and the planet. His goals revolve around improving safety practices in engineering, advancing energy efficiency, and contributing to sustainable development. “Engineering excellence isn’t optional,” he says. “It’s the foundation for a better future.”
To aspiring engineers and innovators, Pravin offers this advice: “Start with a small initiative today, and it can lead to a big impact for the next generation. Perform a literature review, brainstorm, and seek help from experts. Every great solution begins with curiosity.” He encourages young professionals to explore electric vehicle charging systems, renewable energy systems, smart grids, and energy management applications, emphasizing that even modest efforts can drive innovations and transformative change.
As he prepares to speak at the Energy Summit 2025 in Boston, where he will address vehicle-to-grid integration challenges, Pravin remains focused on bridging the gap between technology and sustainability. “The world is changing fast, and engineers have a crucial role to play,” he says. “It’s our responsibility to lead decarbonization.”
Pravin Sankhwar’s story is not just about engineering projects and research—it’s about purpose and passion. Whether he’s designing systems that power cities or composing poetry that celebrates nature, he brings a unique blend of technical brilliance and humanity to everything he does. For Pravin, engineering isn’t just a profession; it’s a way to build a better world. “The future depends on the ideas we create today,” he says. And with Pravin leading the charge, that future looks brighter than ever.