The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) appointed Debmalya Sen as its new President effective today. Sen brings extensive experience in conventional power, renewable energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen to lead the organization’s efforts in accelerating clean energy adoption across India.
Sen previously served as India Lead for Advanced Energy Solutions at the World Economic Forum, where he focused on energy transition, policy frameworks, and emerging technologies. His work included close collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Solar Energy Corporation of India in developing the country’s energy storage policies.
“I am honored to lead IESA at this pivotal moment in India’s energy transition,” Sen stated. “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.”
In his new role, Sen will oversee IESA’s strategic initiatives, industry partnerships, and advocacy efforts aimed at expanding energy storage deployment throughout 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 development would strengthen IESA’s mission.
Founded in 2012 by Customized Energy Solutions, IESA has grown to include more than 180 member companies across various sectors including energy storage, electric vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, green hydrogen, microgrids, power electronics, renewable energy, research institutions, and cleantech startups.
The organization supports India’s net-zero ambitions through several specialized initiatives. The India Battery Manufacturing & Supply Chain Council works on developing battery supply chains for upcoming gigafactories, while the India Electric Mobility Council promotes clean transport adoption. Other key programs include the India Green Hydrogen Council, Stationary Energy Storage India Council, and the IESA Reuse & Recycling Council, which focuses on battery recycling best practices.
India’s energy storage sector has gained significance as the country pursues its climate commitments. The government has introduced production-linked incentive schemes for advanced chemistry cell battery manufacturing and implemented policies to integrate energy storage with renewable power generation. These efforts align with India’s target to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Energy experts view organizations like IESA as crucial bridges between industry, government, and research institutions in navigating the technical and regulatory challenges of energy transition. The appointment comes as India faces growing energy demand while simultaneously working to reduce carbon emissions from its power sector.