We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Intern to support field data collection activities for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under the Model Solar Village initiative for the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). The position is within CSTEP's Renewables team and will involve conducting field surveys, engaging with local stakeholders, collecting and validating project-related data, and assisting technical teams in documentation and analysis. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with fieldwork, willing to travel locally, and capable of coordinating effectively with project teams to ensure timely and high-quality project deliverables.

Interns from the following locations would be preferred: Auraiya, Azamgarh, Balrampur, Banda, Chitrakoot, Farrukhabad, Fatehpur, Gonda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Kannauj, Kaushambi, Mainpuri, Pratapgarh, Raebareli, Shravasti, Amethi, Badaun, Etah, and Bhadohi

Responsibilities

• Conduct ground surveys in assigned villages and project locations
• Collect field data related to electricity consumption, rooftop suitability, and energy infrastructure
• Interact with households, local businesses, and other stakeholders
• Record survey data in structured MS Excel formats
• Ensure completeness, consistency, and quality of collected data
• Support the project team in DPR preparation through field inputs
• Assist in data cleaning, validation, and documentation
• Support project reporting requirements by compiling and organising field data and related documentation
• Coordinate with UPNEDA and other government officials as and when needed

Qualifications

Diploma/Polytechnic students (Electrical, Electronics, or related branches) and final-year BE / BTech students

Skill Set

• Knowledge of electrical engineering concepts and solar energy systems
• Basic proficiency in MS Excel (data entry, formatting, and basic formulas)
• Working knowledge of MS Word for documentation and reporting
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder interactions
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy and quality
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and adhere to project timelines

Note: Preference will be given to candidates who possess a laptop and a two-wheeler.

Duration

1–6 months

The Version 1 (V1) (which can be accessed here) of the CSTEP’s Solar Techno-Economic Model for Photovoltaics (CSTEM PV) was built under the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research (PACE-R) for the Solar Energy Research Institute for India and the United States (SERIIUS

We are seeking a technically skilled Analyst to join our Energy Policy and Regulations team. The role focuses on distribution-system planning and operations, particularly load-flow analysis and involves assessing the impact of emerging technologies at the sub-distribution level. The Analyst will develop data-driven insights to support reliable DISCOM operations while contributing to policy-relevant research on India’s energy transition. The position also requires a strong understanding of the Indian power sector, along with the ability to manage project deliverables and communicate findings effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on distribution network load flows to assess impacts of DRE integration, EV uptake, rooftop solar, and optimal sizing/siting of BESS at feeder and DT levels.
• Track and analyse policies, regulations, and emerging technologies in the distribution sector to generate data-driven insights for decision-making.
• Evaluate state-level power system characteristics, including load curves and planning criteria, to inform infrastructure upgrade needs.
• Collaborate with state and national stakeholders to develop and advance actionable recommendations.
• Produce policy briefs, technical reports, presentations, and journal articles to communicate findings.
• Travel across India, as required, to support stakeholder engagement and project execution.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master's degree in a relevant field, such as Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Energy and Power Systems.

Skill Set

• Experience with distribution network modelling and simulation tools (e.g. DIgSILENT and Python/R-based energy models) or transmission planning studies.
• Strong understanding of DISCOM regulations, distribution planning criteria, and demand forecasting practices in India.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as EVs, rooftop solar, energy efficiency, and solarised agricultural pumps.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with proficiency in data analysis and the ability to interpret complex policy and regulatory documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, along with strong presentation skills.

We are seeking a dynamic, technically strong professional to join the Energy Policy and Regulations team at CSTEP as a Senior Analyst. The role will involve leading and supporting work on electricity demand forecasting, with a strong focus on integrating socio-economic and weather-related drivers of demand. The candidate will also contribute to GHG accounting for DISCOM decarbonisation and city-level net-zero planning. This is a high-impact opportunity to work on policy-relevant research and contribute meaningfully to shaping India’s energy transition.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research and analytical studies on electricity demand forecasting across national, state, DISCOM integrating socio-economic indicators, tariff structures, and weather parameters to develop robust projections.
• Support the development of DISCOM decarbonisation pathways and GHG accounting frameworks, including emission baseline estimation, scenario analysis, and decarbonisation pathway assessment.
• Track and analyse distribution sector policies, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies; generate strategic insights through data analytics and quantitative modelling to inform evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Collaborate with state and national stakeholders to co-develop and advance actionable recommendations.
• Prepare policy briefs, technical reports, presentations, and journal articles to effectively communicate research findings.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to travel within India to engage with stakeholders and support project requirements (travel requirements may vary by project).

Qualifications

Master's degree in a relevant field such as energy economics and sustainable energy.

Skill Set

• Proven experience in electricity demand forecasting, incorporating socio-economic, tariff, and weather drivers across national, state, DISCOM, or feeder levels.
• Strong understanding of the Indian power sector, particularly DISCOM operations and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in PLEXOS, GRIDPATH or STELLAR model for energy modelling, with advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of GHG accounting and decarbonisation approaches for DISCOMs and city-level net-zero planning.
• Familiarity with emerging energy technologies, including EVs, rooftop solar, distributed energy resources, and energy efficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical analysis into clear, policy-relevant insights.
• Ability to support end-to-end project delivery, including proposals, analysis, and reporting.
• Capability to work across technical and policy domains and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.

We are seeking a dynamic and technically skilled Analyst to join the Energy Policy and Regulations team. The Analyst will play a key role in evaluating distribution-system planning and operational developments in the power sector, with a strong focus on distribution load-flow analysis. The role involves assessing the impacts of emerging technologies at the distribution level and developing data-driven strategies and recommendations to support reliable and efficient DISCOM operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant research and help shape the future of India’s energy transition.

Responsibilities

• Undertake field visits to validate network databases and other technical parameters in coordination with the operational staff of DISCOM.
• Conduct network modelling and analytical studies on distribution network load flows to assess the impact of increasing Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) integration, EV uptake, and rooftop solar deployment, including the sizing and siting of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at the feeder and Distribution Transformer (DT) levels.
• Track and analyse distribution-sector energy policies, regulations, and emerging technologies, leveraging data analytics to generate strategic insights and support informed decision-making.
• Evaluate state-level power system characteristics, including load curves, demand profiles, and network planning criteria, to contextualise distribution infrastructure upgradation needs.
• Collaborate with state and national stakeholders, including DISCOMs, regulators, policymakers, and industry partners, to promote actionable recommendations.
• Prepare policy briefs, technical reports, presentations, and journal articles to disseminate research findings to relevant audiences.
• Willingness to travel within India to engage with different states as per project requirements.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy & Power Systems, or a relevant field

Skill Set

• Experience with distribution network modelling and distribution grid simulation tools (e.g. DigSilent, CYMDIST, Python/R-based energy models, or any other).
• Strong understanding of DISCOM regulations, distribution network planning criteria, and demand forecasting practices in India.
• Well-versed in emerging technologies (EVs, rooftop solar, energy efficiency, and solarised agriculture pumps) that influence the evolving energy landscape.
• Strong analytical and research skills with proficiency in data analysis and deriving insights.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

We are looking for a dynamic and technically skilled professional to join our Energy Policy and Regulations team as a Senior Analyst and play a leading role in driving CSTEP's project on the solarisation of agricultural demand, working at the intersection of distribution-sector planning, renewable energy policy, including distributed renewable energy (DRE). The role involves shaping project strategy, conducting in-depth technical and financial analysis, engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders, and contributing to actionable policy recommendations that address the barriers to large-scale solarisation of the agriculture sector. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence India's energy transition by bringing together insights from DISCOM operations, regulatory frameworks, RE policies, and on-ground field realities.

Responsibilities

• Lead techno-economic and policy analysis on the solarisation of agricultural demand, including evaluation of deployment models (e.g. feeder-level solarisation, on-grid and off-grid pump solarisation, and KUSUM components) and their suitability across different state contexts.
• Develop and review financial models to assess project economics, including tariff design, Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), subsidy structures, viability gap funding, and developer returns, to support evidence-based recommendations.
• Track and interpret the evolving RE policy and regulatory landscape at the central and state levels, including DISCOM regulations, agricultural power supply policies, and emerging schemes that influence solarisation pathways.
• Generate strategic insights from data analytics and present them through clear, decision-ready outputs for state and national stakeholders.
• Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement with state DISCOMs, State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs), state and central RE agencies (MNRE, SNAs), developers, industry experts, and farmer representatives.
• Coordinate with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Power, and state-level departments to align project outputs with policy priorities and ongoing initiatives.
• Undertake field visits to validate ground realities, engage with farmers and developers, and capture implementation insights that inform research outputs.
• Bring forward innovative ideas and solutions to address persistent barriers in agricultural solarisation, spanning regulatory, financial, technical, and behavioural dimensions.
• Prepare and deliver policy briefs, technical reports, presentations, and journal articles to disseminate research findings to diverse audiences ranging from policymakers to farmer-level stakeholders.
• Support project leadership in planning, execution, and timely delivery of project milestones.
• Engage with project partners on technical workstreams and research methodology.
• Willingness to travel within India for stakeholder consultations, field visits, and project engagements as per project requirements. 

Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Energy & Power Systems, Energy Policy, Economics, Public Policy, or a relevant field.

Skill Set 

• Deep understanding of the agricultural power supply ecosystem in India, including tariff structures, subsidy mechanisms, supply hours, feeder segregation, and ongoing schemes such as PM-KUSUM.
• Proficiency in financial modelling and techno-economic assessment, including tariff design, LCOE computation, subsidy and incentive analysis, and project viability assessments.
• Strong data analytical skills, with proficiency in tools such as Excel (advanced), Python/R, and the ability to derive insights from large, multi-source datasets.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience—from senior policymakers and ministry officials to developers, industry experts, and farmers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality policy briefs, technical reports, and presentations for senior audiences.
• Working knowledge of GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS) and IT/data platforms relevant to energy and distribution analytics is desirable.
• Prior experience interacting with state DISCOMs, SERCs, MNRE, or state RE agencies is desirable.

We are seeking an Analyst for the Renewables team with a strong understanding of the technical and policy aspects of the renewable energy (RE) sector, as well as functional expertise in GIS techniques and applications. The role requires the candidate to contribute effectively to project proposals and deliverables, manage assigned responsibilities in line with project schedules, and support the achievement of project objectives. The candidate should possess strong coordination and communication skills and be able to collaborate productively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely, high-quality project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Explore and analyse emerging developments, technologies, and trends in the RE sector at the state, national, and international levels.
• Work at the intersection of RE and GIS, identifying innovative applications of geospatial tools and techniques to strengthen decision-making and policy formulation in the sector.
• Conduct research and analytical studies on RE policies, regulations, and market developments to generate actionable insights and policy inputs.
• Develop concept notes, project ideas, and proposals on high-impact, socially relevant themes in the RE sector.
• Undertake research, data analysis, and modelling to build a strong knowledge base on sector performance, technology transitions, emerging business models, and evolving market dynamics.
• Apply knowledge of tariff determination, regulatory reforms, financial modelling, retail tariff design, market assessment, open access, energy auditing, and ACS–ARR analysis.
• Coordinate and engage with key sector stakeholders, including utility companies, regulators, funding agencies, government bodies, and research institutions.
• Document and disseminate research findings through detailed reports, journal and conference publications, op-eds, and newsletters.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant professional experience in policy and economic analysis and GIS applications related to the RE sector.

Skill Set

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting GIS-based studies and analyses, including cost-benefit analysis, life-cycle assessment, impact assessment, forecasting, market penetration studies, and consequence analysis.
• Ability to develop medium- to long-term RE sector outlooks for different states.
• Strong interest and willingness to undertake technical and policy research in the RE sector.
• Experience engaging with regulatory commissions, DISCOMs, transmission utilities, RE nodal agencies, solar system integrators and developers, ministries, and other government bodies.
• Basic understanding of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), electricity market design, Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM), demand response, and open access frameworks.
• Proficiency in software and statistical tools such as MS Excel and Tableau for developing economic and business models; knowledge of Python, R, or SAS would be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in GIS tools and platforms, including ArcGIS and QGIS.
• Proven ability to assess RE sector operations and develop innovative alternatives and approaches to problem-solving.
• Strong listening, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to build support for ideas and recommendations.
• Willingness to travel for data collection, stakeholder consultations, and discussions on study findings.
• Strong research and technical writing skills, with experience producing high-quality reports, white papers, journal articles, policy briefs, and other research publications.
• Ability to make effective, evidence-based, and timely decisions.

Duration

24 months