Energy and Development in India: From National Policy to Local Impact

Duke community, join us for an engaging session with Divyanshu Jha, a senior Indian Administrative Service officer with the Government of India. Jha brings a unique perspective on energy and development, shaped by his experience at both the Indian Federal Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and at the local district administration level.

In this talk, Jha will examine how India can translate national policy and ambitious energy transition targets into meaningful change on the ground. He will discuss the opportunities and challenges involved in expanding clean energy, strengthening energy access, enabling sustainable economic growth, and implementing policy effectively at the local level.

The conversation will offer participants an opportunity to understand the energy transition through both a policy and implementation lens by connecting renewable energy ambitions with the everyday realities of governance, infrastructure, livelihoods, and development. This event is hosted by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, James E. Rogers Energy Access Project, and Global Energy Access Network.

Lunch will be provided starting at 11:30 a.m., the discussion will begin at 12 p.m.

Divyanshu Jha

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Government of India

Divyanshu Jha is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who previously served as the Deputy Secretary to the Government of India, within the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). Jha is currently completing his master's degree in international development policy from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Previously, Jha worked with the Government of Jharkhand, National Health Agency, and Ministry of Urban Development in India. Jha completed a BTech degree in computer science at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.