Dr. Arunabha Ghosh: Visionary Leader in Solar Energy
Dr. Arunabha Ghosh is a renowned public policy expert, author, and the Founder & CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), a leading policy research institution in Asia. His educational background includes an economics degree from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and a master’s and doctorate in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Balliol College, University of Oxford. As a Clarendon Scholar and Marvin Bower Scholar, Ghosh’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for his influential work in the solar energy and climate policy sectors. Dr. Ghosh has worked in over 45 countries, which likely exposed him to diverse energy challenges and solutions, including the potential of solar energy in various contexts.
Key Solar Contributions
1. Founder & CEO, Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW)
○ Established CEEW in 2010 to promote solar energy policies, research, and
actionable solutions for sustainable development in Asia.
2. Creator of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
○ Dr. Ghosh was instrumental in conceptualizing and establishing ISA, a global
initiative designed to bring together 121 countries to drive solar energy
adoption and reduce financial risks globally.
3. Promoting Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE)
○ Advocates for decentralized renewable energy solutions, particularly solar
power, to improve energy access in rural and underserved communities, and
to address both climate change and energy poverty.
4. Global Policy Expertise
○ Dr. Ghosh has advised governments, industries, and international
organizations on solar energy and climate change policies, positioning him as
a thought leader in energy transition.
5. Leadership of CEEW as a Premier Policy Research Institution
○ Under his leadership, CEEW has become a leading institution in Asia,
influencing solar energy policies globally and contributing to India’s push for a
more sustainable energy future.
Awards & Recognitions
1. Asia Game Changer Award (2022)
○ Awarded the Asia Game Changer Award for his work in shaping global renewable energy policies and driving action in solar energy.
2. World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leader
○ Recognized by the World Economic Forum for his leadership in promoting sustainable energy solutions and his global influence on energy policy.
3. International Advisory Roles
○ Serves on several prestigious international advisory groups, including the UN Committee for Development Policy and the Global Commission on the Economics of Water.
4. Thought Leadership and Media Engagement
○ Authored Nature’s 2015 Top 10 Essay, arguing that India’s solar surge must prioritize rooftop solar. He also writes a monthly column in Business Standard and has been featured in energy and water documentaries.
Inspiration and Motivation for Solar Energy
Inspiration from Personal Experience
“Growing up in Delhi’s smog, I saw how energy poverty and pollution trapped families. Solar isn’t just electrons—it’s emancipation.”
○ Growing up in Delhi’s smog, Dr. Ghosh saw the impact of energy poverty and pollution, which ignited his passion for solar energy. He believes that solar isn’t just electrons—it’s emancipation, especially for underserved communities trapped in energy poverty.
Thoughts on India’s Solar Future
Dr. Ghosh believes that solar energy is crucial to India’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable growth trajectory. He emphasizes the role of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions in overcoming energy access challenges and mitigating climate risks. As India moves toward its ambitious solar capacity targets, solar energy will be central to the country’s efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development. “Solar isn’t just electrons—it’s emancipation.”
— Dr. Arunabha Ghosh
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 screams: Master the books, then rewrite the rules.
● Global Leadership: Ghosh’s work with ISA and CLEAN reflects his ability to drive international cooperation on renewable energy.
● Policy Expertise: His experience advising governments and international organizations highlights his expertise in climate and energy policy.
● Institution Building: Ghosh has led CEEW to become a premier policy research institution in Asia, demonstrating his strategic leadership skills.
Conclusion
Dr. Arunabha Ghosh’s journey showcases the power of visionary leadership and strategic policy development in advancing solar energy. His commitment to sustainable development has reshaped global efforts in solar energy adoption, positioning solar power as a key solution to climate change and energy access challenges worldwide. As the world continues to embrace clean energy solutions, leaders like Dr. Ghosh will continue to guide global solar initiatives, shaping the future of renewable energy.