Neelima Jain

Senior Visiting Fellow, Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies
Neelima Jain

Neelima is senior visiting fellow with the Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In her role, she works closely with the Indian states to bolster U.S.-India relations on energy reforms. Formerly, she was CEO of EPAL, Energy Efficiency Service Ltd’s (EESL) UK-based subsidiary. EESL is a government of India entity and a leading player in clean energy solutions. Neelima was responsible for the overall strategic direction, business development, and operational management of EESL’s operations in the United Kingdom. She established EPAL's operations from the ground up and led the first-ever acquisition of an overseas company by India’s Ministry of Power. In 2019, India Inc. included Neelima in its list of the 100 most influential people in UK-India relations. In 2020, EPAL was ranked as the fastest-growing Indian-owned company in the United Kingdom by Grant Thornton. Neelima also led UJALA, one of the largest zero-subsidy energy efficiency programs for domestic consumers. She managed the rollout of the program in 60 million households across India. Neelima brings 17 years of experience working across India and internationally on energy efficiency, sustainable development, energy, and environment. She has served on the International Energy Agency’s EE Industry Advisory Board. In previous roles, Neelima has developed demand-side management programs for state utilities, led operational planning and strategy for one of the largest clean development management programs, and implemented smart grid initiatives at the likes of National Grid, Scottish and Southern Energy, Tata Power, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, and Torrent Power. Neelima holds a M.Sc. in software engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.

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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