New Delhi, 25:08:2023 —On the occasion of Women's Equality Day, the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) takes a monumental step towards recognizing the pivotal role that women play in driving India's clean energy transformation. With a steadfast commitment to fostering diversity and innovation within the clean energy sector, this initiative from IESA is a step forward in embracing the remarkable efforts of Women Leaders who are driving India's future of Clean Energy, EV, and Green Hydrogen.
Dr. Rahul Walawalkar-Founder & President of IESA, emphasised, "The clean energy transition demands a collaborative approach, and the inclusion of women leaders is a strategic imperative. Their expertise, vision, and determination are driving innovation and shaping policies that will define India's energy landscape. These Women Leaders underscores the transformative influence that women have in shaping the clean energy, EV, and green hydrogen sectors. They are not just leaders; they are trailblazers carving a path toward a greener, more sustainable India.”
According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2022, only one in five leadership roles in the energy sector are held by women. The recently launched Green Hydrogen Mission and the Prime Minister's commitment of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 are setting a clear road map also for decarbonisation of the industrial and agricultural sectors. India is also utilising the G20 Presidency for bringing together global cooperation for sustainable growth and has brought focus on a women-led inclusive development agenda.
Netra Walawalkar, Vice President, India Operations, Customized Energy Solutions, shared her perspective, "Empowering women in the clean energy sector is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development. The clean energy landscape in India is undergoing a monumental shift, and many women leaders are at the forefront of this transformation. Their unique insights and contributions play a vital role in shaping a greener future for India. The Women Leaders recognized by IESA are instrumental in driving innovation, advocating for sustainable policies, and propelling the growth of clean energy technologies.’’
The list features women leaders who have been driving impactful changes within the realms of clean energy, electric vehicles (EV), and green hydrogen. From spearheading research and innovation to influencing policy decisions, these women have carved a niche for themselves, inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps. It's worth acknowledging that these accomplished women are not alone in the sector, as numerous others play a substantial role in driving advancements within the industry.
This compilation is not comprehensive and may not encompass all the women contributing to the growth of the green energy sector in India. It serves as an illustrative collection intended to offer insights based on available data and information shared by women collaborating with the IESA team.
Dr. Abhilsha Gaur |
Electronics Sector Skills Council of India |
COO |
Aditi Pathak |
India Energy Storage Alliance |
IESA Academy |
Anita Gupta |
Leading Hydrogen and Emerging Technology from |
Department of Science and Technology |
Dr. Anuradda Ganesh |
Cummins Technology India Pvt. Ltd. |
Chief Technical advisor |
Arshi Chadha |
Sunson Energy Devices Pvt Ltd |
COO |
Archana Bhatnagar |
Wartsila India |
Director Market & Project Development, South Asia |
Anjuli Chandra |
CEA (EX) |
Chief Engineer |
Bindu |
India Energy Storage Alliance |
Director, Policy |
Gauri Singh |
Deputy General |
IRENA |
Gayatri Dadheech |
Exide |
Chie Technology Officer |
Dr. Judy Jeevarajan |
Underwriters Laboratories |
Vice President & Executive Director, Research |
Dr. Jyoti Parikh |
Integrated research and action for development |
Exe. Director |
Karuna Gopal Vartakavi |
BJP National incharge, |
President Futuristic Cities, |
Mahi Singh |
Cancrie Pvt. Ltd. |
Co - founder |
Mani Khurana |
World Bank |
Sr. Energy Specialist |
Mirunalini Chellappan |
SWELECT Energy Systems Ltd |
Director |
Monika Rathi |
Vena Energy |
Country Head |
Dr. N Kalaiselvi |
CSIR |
First women chief |
Namrata Mukherjee |
USAID SAREP RTI International |
Deputy Chief of Party (Trade & Investment) |
Nashid Chowdhury |
Western Australia |
Trade and Investment Commissioner |
Netra Walawalkar |
Customized Energy Solutions |
Vice President , India |
Neha Jain |
M G Motors |
Head Electric Vehicle and Innovation Ecosystem |
Pamela Tikku |
ICAT |
Chief Business Officer |
Prajakta Sabnis |
Oorja |
COO |
Prabhjot Kaur |
Esmito |
Founder |
Dr. Rashi Gupta |
Vision Mechatronics Private Ltd. |
Founder and Managing Director |
Radhika Choudary |
Freyr Energy Services Private Limited |
Co - Founder |
Raga Madhuri Juturu |
MTU Pvt. Ltd.(Rolls Royce) |
Director |
Dr. Rashmi Urdwareshe |
ARAI |
Independent Director |
Renuka Gera |
BHEL |
Director Industrial Sector |
RituLal |
Amrop India |
Sr. VP and Head – Institutional Relations |
Dr. Sarika Kelkar |
KPIT Technologies Ltd |
Product Owners: Advanced Batteries and Advanced Materials |
Sanskriti Dubey |
Fluence |
Energy Policy and Regulation |
Seema Saxena |
Central Electricity Authority |
Chief Engineer |
Shilpa Urhekar |
Sterling & Wilson |
National Head Solar EPC |
Dr. Shivani Sharma |
Hitachi |
Energy Consulting, Power System Analysis, |
Sulajja Firodia Motwani |
Kinetic Green |
CEO |
Surbhi G |
World Bank |
Senior Energy Spcialist |
Dr. Surekha Deshmukh |
Tata Consultancy Services |
Expert in Power Market, Smart Grid, Renewable Sector |
Swati Maini |
Maini Renewables |
CEO & Founder |
Vasudha Madhavan |
Ostara Advisors |
Founder |
Jyoti Parikh, Integrated research and action for development, Exe. Director said, “It takes 2 legs to walk. Going without women would mean hopping on one leg. Energy transition pose challenges that need us to run a long distance to bring technological, digital, societal cultural changes needed.”
IESA under MICRO (The Microgrid Initiative for Campus & Rural Opportunities) initiative is also working with rural women groups to create clean energy-based economic development and entrepreneurship opportunities for the livelihood of these communities. IESA is also recognising these rural women entrepreneur leaders on the occasion of Women’s Equality Day’’.
Dr. Shivani Sharma, Principal Technical Consultant, Power Consulting, Hitachi Energy India Ltd. said, “Thanks to IESA for bringing together diverse experts of energy. It's of utmost importance for all relevant stakeholders to collaborate and brainstorm on the integration of various renewable along with optimal Energy Storage to ensure power system reliability and resilience. Glad to be among like-minded passionate women professionals.”
This celebration of women leaders in clean energy coincides with Women's Equality Day, a global initiative that underscores the importance of gender equality in all sectors. IESA's commendable efforts in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women within India's clean energy sector align perfectly with the international call for greater gender parity in leadership roles.
“Women in energy is a blessing to be able to contribute at advancing technology, creating impact, empowering next generation to serve society and practise sustainability in each action.” said, Dr. Surekha Deshmukh, Domain Consultant, Sustainability Practice – TCS.
As IESA celebrate these exceptional women leaders, it is imperative to acknowledge that gender parity not only empowers individuals but propels entire industries forward. The global call for gender equity echoes across initiatives like the recently launched Green Hydrogen Mission and the Prime Minister's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Embracing women-led development and harnessing diverse perspectives aligns perfectly with India's pursuit of sustainable growth on a global platform.
About India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA):
India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is a leading industry alliance focused on the development of advanced energy storage, green hydrogen, and e-mobility technologies in India. Founded in 2012, by Customized Energy Solutions (CES), IESA’s vision is to make India a global hub for R&D, manufacturing, and adoption of advanced energy storage, e-mobility, and green hydrogen technologies.
The alliance has been at the forefront of efforts seminal in shaping an enabling policy framework for the adoption of energy storage, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and emerging clean technologies in India.
With close to a decade of experience, IESA provides its member network a holistic eco-system to network and grow their business in India and world over by providing in-depth analysis of the market, facilitating dialogue between industry and government stakeholders, and providing the latest skill-development training. Over the years, IESA has launched several initiatives that support its member companies to stay ahead of the curve.
Today IESA is a proud network of 160+ member companies, encompassing industry verticals from energy storage, EV manufacturing, EV charging infrastructure, green hydrogen, microgrids, power electronics, renewable energy, research institutes and universities, and cleantech startups.
IESA website: https://indiaesa.info/
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