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.
