Neelima Jain

Senior Visiting Fellow, Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics
Neelima Jain

Neelima Jain is a senior visiting fellow with the Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where she works closely with Indian states to bolster U.S.-India relations on energy reforms. She is also the Director of the States Initiative at the Indian Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, Berkeley, leading state engagements and supporting policymaking on grid and industrial decarbonization. Previously, as CEO of EPAL, the UK-based subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Service Ltd, Neelima established operations from the ground up and led the first-ever acquisition of an overseas company by India's Ministry of Power. Under her leadership, EPAL was ranked as the fastest-growing Indian-owned company in the UK by Grant Thornton in 2020. Neelima also led UJALA, one of the largest zero-subsidy energy efficiency programs, managing its rollout across 60 million Indian households. With 19 years of experience in energy efficiency and sustainable development, she has served on the International Energy Agency's EE Industry Advisory Board and developed programs for major utilities and energy companies, including National Grid, Scottish and Southern Energy, and Tata Power. Recognized for her influence in UK-India relations, Neelima was listed among the 100 most influential people by India Inc. in 2019. Neelima holds an MS. in software engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.

Programs & Projects

Areas of Expertise

In the News

All Neelima Jain Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 25 results

U.S.-India Clean Energy Partnership for 450 GW

India has ambitious energy transition goals as it plans to install 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070. U.S.-India Clean Energy Partnership for 450 GW event will bring together government, industry, and non-profit leaders. 

Event — June 18, 2024

Managing Energy, Economic, and Environmental Transition: Workshop Report

The transition from coal-dependent economies to ones driven by sustainable energy sources presents a global challenge. The just transition concept recognizes the importance of addressing societal impacts, environmental sustainability, governance, and financial mechanisms. 

Report by Neelima Jain — May 21, 2024

Energy 360°

Building a Just Transition: Strategies for a Sustainable Energy Future

This week, Joseph Majkut talks with Sandeep Pai (Swaniti Global), Neelima Jain (CSIS), and Pradip Swarnakar (IIT-Kanpur) about how a just transition fits into our energy transition.

Podcast Episode by Joseph Majkut, Sandeep Pai, Neelima Jain, Pradip Swarnakar, and Lisa Hyland — April 29, 2024

CSIS Energy 360

Accelerate 175: Report Launch

Join the CSIS India Chair as we discuss Indian states’ renewable energy goals, and the pathway to adopt 500 GW by 2030.

Event — April 19, 2023

Climate Summits Should Accelerate Subnational Action

Subnational climate action can be a driving force for reducing emissions. Here’s how climate summits can empower subnational entities, promote multilateral cooperation, and accelerate emissions reduction.

Commentary by Neelima Jain — November 30, 2022

Role of States in Accelerating India's Net Zero Transition

Please join the CSIS Wadhwani Chair and the Network for Global Innovation for a joint U.S-India round table discussion about how best the subnational entities can support each other in navigating the challenges of a fast-evolving energy transition.

Event — April 29, 2022