In 2011, while working as a computer engineer, Jasmeet Khurana saw the potential of a multi-decade energy transition trend with solar power. Thus, he started his own consulting firm, Headway Solar. He quickly learnt everything about the then nascent sector, brushed up his financial modelling skills and started offering consulting services to domestic and international investors willing to invest in this sector in India. Thereafter, he joined BRIDGE TO INDIA and continued his consulting journey. In 2018, he identified electrification of mobility as another key trend that he wanted to be a part of. At that time, only about 0.3 per cent of the vehicle sales in India were electric, mostly lead-acid-based scooters. He then went on to join the World BusiÂness Council for Sustainable DevelopmeÂnt where he established the REmobility initiative to enhance private sector collaboration and provide policy recommendations.
At the World Economic FoÂrum, Khurana’s efforts are foÂcused on accelerating the adÂoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) in InÂdia. His team has built a MoÂÂviÂng India Network of over 40 business leaders and policyÂmaÂkers, who work together to advance InÂdÂia’s EV ambition. He helped in establishing task forces focused on policies for adÂvancing EV and battery manufacturing, fiÂnancing electric two-wheeler fleets, buÂilÂding India’s first zero emission road freiÂght corridors and advancing autoÂmotiÂve circularity, especially for batteries. His teÂam has also established a Moving InÂÂdoÂnesia Network that takes his work Âbeyond India into other emerging markets.
The most important skill that his role requires for enhancing public-private cooperation is to build consensus, often despite competing priorities. He follows three key priÂnciples to achieve this. First, optimism. Second, building a story, as people resÂpoÂnd best when things are exÂplained as a predictable storyline. Third, understanding the topic deeply and arming up with facts and trends.
As a new father, Khurana’s first priority is to spend time with his five-month-old son. Apart from that, he loves to consume knowledge and conduct analysis on any topic. Of late, he has been busy identifying India’s urbanisation patterns and infrastructure build-out. As an energy transition professional, he wants to see the world on the other side of a successful global energy transition. He hopes to continue finding exciting avenues within the existing and emerging trends of energy transition.