Anu Taranath

Indian environmentalist and renewable energy advocate who pioneered decentralized solar power initiatives in rural India, empowering marginalized communities.

Early Life & Mission

Anu Taranath (b. 1958) grew up in rural Karnataka witnessing energy poverty. After studying physics at IIT Bombay, she founded Solar Village India in 1993 to provide solar solutions to off-grid villages. Her 'Solar Schools' program has electrified over 1,200 schools in Odisha and Bihar using locally produced panels.

Innovative Models

She developed the 'Solar Micro-grid' model allowing communities to collectively own energy systems. Her partnership with TERI created the first solar-powered water purification system in drought-prone regions. The Solar Energy for Rural Development manual she co-authored (2005) is used in UNDP training programs.

Impact & Recognition

Over 500,000 households now use her solar systems. She won the Global Green Hero Award in 2008. Current projects include wind-solar hybrid grids in tribal areas. Her TED Talk 'Energy Equity: The Missing Link' (2019) has 2.3M views. Collaborations with Ashden expanded her work to Nepal and Bangladesh.