Dr. Arunabha Ghosh
Founder & CEO, CEEW · Solar Energy & Climate Policy Visionary
Globally recognised public policy expert and one of Asia's most influential voices on clean energy, climate action, and sustainable development — working across 45+ countries.
About Dr. Arunabha Ghosh
Dr. Arunabha Ghosh is the Founder & CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) — Asia's leading think tank on clean energy and climate. His multidisciplinary academic training and hands-on engagement across the globe have reshaped how governments and institutions approach the solar energy transition.
Key Solar Contributions
Founder & CEO — CEEW
Established CEEW in 2010 as a powerhouse for solar energy policy, research, and actionable solutions driving sustainable development across Asia.
Creator of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Conceptualised and helped build ISA — a landmark global coalition of 121 countries designed to accelerate solar adoption and de-risk renewable investments worldwide.
Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE)
Champions solar-based DRE systems to deliver clean electricity to rural and underserved communities, tackling energy poverty and climate vulnerability simultaneously.
Global Policy Advisory
Advises governments, industries, and international bodies on solar energy and climate policy, making him a go-to thought leader for the clean energy transition.
Building Asia's Premier Think Tank
Under his leadership, CEEW has grown into Asia's foremost energy policy institution, shaping India's trajectory toward its ambitious solar capacity targets.
“Growing up in Delhi's smog, I saw how energy poverty and pollution trapped families.— Dr. Arunabha Ghosh
Solar isn't just electrons — it's emancipation.”
Awards & Recognitions
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01
Asia Game Changer Award (2022)
Recognised for shaping global renewable energy policies and catalysing transformative action in solar energy across Asia and beyond.
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02
World Economic Forum — Young Global Leader
Honoured by the WEF for leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions and wielding global influence on energy and climate policy.
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03
International Advisory Roles
Serves on the UN Committee for Development Policy and the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, among other prestigious bodies.
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04
Thought Leadership & Media
Author of Nature's 2015 Top 10 Essay on India's solar surge; monthly columnist in Business Standard; featured in major energy and water documentaries.
Inspiration & India's Solar Future
Dr. Ghosh's passion for solar energy is deeply personal. Growing up amid Delhi's pollution, he witnessed firsthand how energy poverty constrained entire communities. That lived experience became the compass for his life's work.
He envisions solar energy as central to India's low-carbon growth trajectory — not merely a fuel switch, but a lever for equity, economic empowerment, and climate resilience. Decentralised solar, he argues, can unlock opportunity for millions who remain off-grid or energy-insecure.
Key Takeaways
Dr. Ghosh's education didn't just inform his career — it redefined how the world approaches solar energy as a nexus of equity, diplomacy, and hard economics. For aspiring climate leaders, his story is clear: master the knowledge, then rewrite the rules.
Global Leadership
Drives international cooperation on renewable energy through ISA and CLEAN, mobilising 121+ nations.
Policy Expertise
Decades of advising governments and global organisations make him a foremost authority on clean energy transition.
Institution Building
Transformed CEEW into Asia's premier policy research institution — a legacy of strategic vision and execution.
Conclusion
Dr. Arunabha Ghosh's journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and strategic policy development in advancing solar energy. His commitment to sustainable development has reshaped global efforts in solar adoption, positioning solar power as a cornerstone solution to climate change and energy access challenges worldwide. As the world deepens its embrace of clean energy, leaders like Dr. Ghosh will continue to illuminate the path forward — shaping the future of renewable energy for generations to come.