The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) has appointed Debmalya Sen as its new President, effective immediately. With extensive expertise in conventional power, renewable energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen, Sen will lead IESA’s mission to accelerate clean energy adoption across India.
Prior to this role, Sen served as India Lead for Advanced Energy Solutions at the World Economic Forum, where he played a key role in energy transition strategies, policy frameworks, and emerging technologies. He worked closely with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Solar Energy Corporation of India to shape the country’s energy storage policies.
“I am honored to lead IESA at this pivotal moment in India’s energy transition,” said Debmalya Sen. “With the increasing role of energy storage and clean technologies in achieving India’s net-zero goals, I look forward to driving innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration to accelerate the sector’s growth.”
As President, Sen will oversee IESA’s strategic initiatives, industry partnerships, and advocacy efforts to expand energy storage deployment in India. Vinayak Walimbe, Managing Director of Customized Energy Solutions India Pvt Ltd, expressed confidence that Sen’s experience in battery storage, grid modernization, and green hydrogen would strengthen IESA’s mission.
Founded in 2012 by Customized Energy Solutions, IESA now includes over 180 member companies across various sectors, including energy storage, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, green hydrogen, microgrids, power electronics, renewables, research institutions, and cleantech startups.
The organization plays a crucial role in India’s clean energy transition through specialized initiatives. The India Battery Manufacturing & Supply Chain Council focuses on developing robust supply chains for upcoming gigafactories, while the India Electric Mobility Council promotes clean transportation adoption. Other key programs include the India Green Hydrogen Council, Stationary Energy Storage India Council, and the IESA Reuse & Recycling Council, which emphasizes sustainable battery recycling practices.
India’s energy storage sector has become increasingly vital as the country works toward its climate goals. The government has introduced production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery manufacturing and implemented policies integrating energy storage with renewable power generation. These initiatives align with India’s target of installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Experts highlight the importance of organizations like IESA in bridging the gap between industry, government, and research institutions to navigate the regulatory and technical challenges of energy transition. Sen’s appointment comes at a crucial time as India balances rising energy demand with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
