Dr. Rahul Walawalkar

Dr. Rahul Walawalkar is a globally recognized clean energy and energy transition leader with over 25 years of experience across energy storage, renewable energy, electricity markets, demand response, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and emerging technologies.

As Founder and President of the Netzero Energy Transition Association (NETRA), he works at the intersection of technology, policy, markets, investment, and commercialization. He is particularly known for helping emerging technologies move from early-stage innovation and demonstration toward market adoption, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial deployment.

Dr. Rahul has worked closely with industry leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, research institutions, and technology companies across India, the United States, and international markets. He has contributed to policy and regulatory initiatives involving NITI Aayog, CERC, MNRE, CEA, the U.S. Department of Energy, IRENA, and the World Bank.

A strong advocate for industry collaboration and technology commercialization, Dr. Rahul has played a leading role in building clean-energy ecosystems, supporting startups and growth-stage companies, facilitating industry–research partnerships, and advising businesses and investors on opportunities arising from the global energy transition. He is also an active angel investor and mentor to cleantech ventures.

From 2010 to 2025, he served in multiple leadership roles—including Founder, Executive Director, President, and Chairperson—at the India Energy Storage Association (IESA), helping build the organization and advance the energy-storage and e-mobility ecosystem in India as well as President & MD of Customized Energy Solutions, India.

His recognitions include the 2025 IEEE PES India Narain Hingorani Award for Excellence in Energy Storage Systems, India Smart Grid Forum President’s Award, the Brad Roberts Award, the CII Innovative Energy Services Award among many.

Dr. Rahul holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in Energy Management from New York Institute of Technology, and a B.E. in Electrical Engineering from Walchand College of Engineering.