S. P. Viswanathan

Dr S. P. Viswanathan has over 35 years of experience in R&D in Aerospace Engineering in USA and over 7 years in leading research and development in renewable energy technologies. He has significant experience in renewable energy and potable water production.

Foreseeing the future energy needs and the role of renewable energy he co-founded KGDS Renewable Energy Pvt. Limited in the year 2007 with an ambitious plan to generate solar energy, so as to supplement Government's efforts in this direction. His vision is that this project will create "Green Energy Revolution" in the country, apart from providing employment opportunities to thousands of rural people.

Under his steering leadership KGDS is into continuous research and development activities in a wide-ranging spectrum of technological achievements in the renewable energy sector. KGDS’ focus is on developing and deploying solar power production, solar-biomass power production, and desalination utilizing agro-waste output.

Currently he is the President of Empereal-KGDS Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd and is responsible for technology development and product strategy. He designed and developed the technology and process IP, leveraging CSP and hybrid renewable technologies and fresh water using thermal desalination. Prior to co-founding KGDS, Dr. SPV worked at various levels in Bell Helicopter, the largest helicopter and tilt-rotor manufacturer, in 1973 as a rotorcraft engineer in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. He retired from the company in 2006 as Chief Scientist. Has written many papers in the fields of rotorcraft technology and flight testing, and has served as a Deputy Director of the American Helicopter Society.

He received his Bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT Madras and his Masters and PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. He received a medal for the top-rank in aerospace school from the hands of Dr. V. V. Giri, the President of India. He also served as a visiting faculty at IIT Madras from 2004-2006.