SFA ADVISORY BOARD

Amitabh Ranjan

Amitabh Ranjan holds a B.Tech. in Petroleum Engineering from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and an MBA in HR. He has over a quarter-century of experience in diverse fields, including Civil Services. He has extensive experience in grassroots governance andpublic administration, including managing various government schemes, financial management, general administration, and capacity building.
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An alumnus of the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA) at the National Defense University, Washington, DC, he has traveled extensively across the globe for academic engagements, visiting countries such as the USA, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, he Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

Currently, he serves as the Registrar in a leadership position at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, one of the premier training and research institutions of the Government of India, dedicated to capacity building for civil servants across various fields. The Hon'ble Vice President of India is the President of IIPA, while the Hon'ble Union Minister of State in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions serves as the Chairman of its Governing Board.

Previously, he worked as Deputy Director at the STQC Directorate, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and as a Provincial Civil Services (PCS) officer in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. During his tenure, he oversaw the computerization of the Transport Department of Uttar Pradesh and is widely credited for the successful implementation of the pilot projects "Vahan" (for vehicle registration) and "Sarathi" (for driving licenses), both of which are now fully operational in the state.

As a petroleum engineer with significant experience in the transport sector, he has developed a keen interest in the energy domain, particularly in renewable energy areas such as solar energy, energy transition, net-zero initiatives, and issues related to the environment and climate change.

Ann Margret Francisco

Ms. Ann Margret Francisco assumes the role of Philippine Country Manager at the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), where she identifies and supports key policy and market workstreams to critically shape the nation's wind energy sector.

With a 17-year track record in the Philippine power industry, Ms. Francisco has been at the forefront of developing and overseeing renewable energy (RE) projects for both public and private entities. ... She began her career in the public sector in 2006, making significant contributions as one of the pioneering energy traders for the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation. Transitioning seamlessly to the private sector, she continued managing power asset portfolios before shifting her professional focus in 2016 toward renewable energy projects and business development, aligning with the country's ambitious RE targets.

Prior to joining GWEC, Ms. Francisco served as a market consultant for smaller RE firms, providing valuable advice on navigating the industry's regulatory and commercial frameworks.
Ms. Francisco's dual experience in both government and private sectors has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within the energy landscape.

At GWEC, she is currently supporting OFW stakeholders through workshops, policy papers, and focused group discussions (FGDs).

Aurora Audino

Aurora is a climate and nature expert, currently working with UNDP on biodiversity finance in Istanbul. She previously supported the European Commission in Brussels, focusing on climate policy and sustainable finance, where she contributed to key EU climate policy initiatives. Aurora has worked across public and private sectors on climate strategies, sustainability and environmental compliance, ... including for the European Parliament and the Edison Group. A committed advocate for climate action,

Aurora has participated in the last 4 UN Climate Conferences and has spoken and moderated international high-level events. She was recognised as a European Climate Pact Ambassador and MTE Climate Ambassador (a program of the World Bank Group's Youth-to-Youth community). She has also amplified youth voices in national and international forums, including Youth4Climate in New York and the G7 Youth. Aurora also leads initiatives and training on climate and renewable energy action, as Italy-IRENA Peer Educator, and contributes to fostering intergenerational dialogues.

Benson Ireri

Benson Ireri is a recognized leader in energy access and climate finance, with extensive experience in advancing clean energy deployment, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships across Africa.

As the Africa Lead for Energy Access at the World Resources Institute (WRI), Benson plays a pivotal role in shaping inclusive energy transitions by leveraging data-driven solutions, innovative financing mechanisms, and policy interventions to expand access to renewable energy.

... With a deep commitment to energy equity and sustainable development, Benson has spearheaded impactful initiatives that bridge the gap between global climate finance and local clean energy investments, particularly in emerging economies. His expertise spans energy planning, climate finance mobilization, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations, making him a key advocate for scaling solar adoption and ensuring a just energy transition in Africa and beyond.
Benson brings a wealth of experience in integrated energy solutions, policy engagement, and investment mobilization to accelerate renewable energy adoption, particularly in the Global South.

Dr. Jochen Rentscha

Dr. Rentsch serves as the Head of Technology Transfer at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), Germany.

Dr. Rentsch received his Ph.D. degree in physics in 2005 from the Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Germany. He studied physics at the Technical University of Braunschweig and the University of Sussex (Brighton, UK) and obtained his diploma degree in 2002.

... His current work focuses on the acquisition and management of industrial-funded projects, licensing of R&D results, and the transfer of processes and cell structures in the PV industry. Additionally, he provides consultancy and auditing of PV manufacturing facilities worldwide, bringing extensive expertise to the advancement of solar energy technologies.

Dr. Kapil Narula

Dr. Kapil Narula is a Senior Analyst at the Climate Champions Team in Dubai, UAE, where he plays a pivotal role in catalyzing international cooperation for ambitious climate action. With over two decades of versatile experience spanning international organizations, government, think tanks, and academia, his work focuses on the clean energy transition, climate change, and maritime sustainability.

... He has authored or edited seven books and over 100 articles and papers, contributing significantly to the discourse on sustainability. His previous roles include Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations, Advisor (Energy) at NITI Aayog, and lecturer at the University of Geneva, alongside his service in the Government of India. Kapil holds an interdisciplinary PhD in economics, a master's degree in engineering, and a certification in sustainability and climate risk.

Dr. Kavita Rai

Dr. Kavita Rai is a Senior Programme Officer at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). She is a renewable energy and development professional with 30 years international experience designing and delivering a range of programs including capacity development, entrepreneurship development, financing, gender and policy. Kavita holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Bonn, Germany.... At IRENA, she is leading the energy access and cross-sectoral work in the Country Engagement and Partnership Division.

Laurence Pollier

With over two decades at the forefront of international climate policy, her unwavering commitment to sustainability and multilateralism has defined her journey.

Her role as Strategic Advisor and Team Lead for the coordination of the negotiations under the Paris Agreement,the Kyoto Protocol, and their Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) is underpinned by a dedication to fostering inclusive dialogue and actionable policy guidance. ... Her in-depth and unique understanding of climate change multilateral processes has been instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of international climate diplomacy.

Keen to share her experience and insights as well as empower young professionals, she offers mentorship and guidance on the multilateral processes. Passionate about innovation and efficiency, she strives to do things differently when it means doing things better.

Miguel Lotero Robledo

Miguel Lotero Robledo is a dynamic energy sector leader with a strong foundation in public policy, markets, and regulation. He holds a Law degree from Universidad EAFIT and a postgraduate specialization in Public Management and Administrative Institutions from Universidad de Los Andes. He also earned a Master's in Public Law (LLM), with a focus on Administrative Management, from Universidad de Los Andes and a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he studied as a Colfuturo scholar.

... Miguel's career has been defined by his expertise in designing and implementing transformative public policies for energy and natural resources. Between 2018 and 2022, he played a pivotal role in the Colombian government, first as an advisor to the Minister of Mines and Energy and later as Vice Minister of Energy. During his tenure, Miguel spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that laid the foundation for Colombia's energy transition, including renewable energy financing, offshore wind development, and hydrogen regulation. His leadership also extended to creating a sustainable mobility roadmap and revitalizing the oil and gas sector. Notably, his efforts enabled over 100,000 families in remote areas of Colombia to gain energy access through innovative public-private financing mechanisms for expanding the gas grid and installing solar PV solutions.

Miguel is a partner at Lotero Zuluaga Abogados, where he leads the energy and natural resources practice. He also advises on markets and regulation as an expert consultant at OWC Ltd. and teaches Energy Markets and Regulation at EAFIT University. In addition to his professional roles, he serves on several energy sector boards of directors, contributing to strategic decisions that shape the industry's future.
Fluent in Spanish and English, Miguel brings a global perspective to his work and demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering sustainable and equitable energy solutions.

Nathalie Hemeleers

Nathalie Hemeleers is a seasoned expert in energy and climate policies, with over a decade of experience driving impactful initiatives at both the EU and national (Belgian) levels. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for accelerating the energy transition and transforming economies into sustainable, clean, and circular systems built on principles of social justice.

Currently serving as the Director for EU Affairs at the Solar Impulse Foundation, ... Nathalie focuses on promoting the modernization of production and consumption processes through the adoption of clean and efficient solutions. Her expertise in policy, sustainability, and strategic advocacy is invaluable in advancing global clean energy goals.

Dr. Ricardo Raineri

Dr. Ricardo Raineri is an accomplished energy economist with a distinguished career spanning energy policy, macroeconomics, and industrial organization. Widely recognized as a leading authority in the energy sector, he brings extensive advisory and leadership experience across the public and private sectors, multilateral organizations, and financial institutions. His expertise encompasses market and regulatory design, technological innovation, finance, and governance, making him an invaluable asset to SFA....

Dr. Raineri's contributions to the energy sector have been remarkable, with pivotal roles such as Energy Minister of Chile, Board Chairperson for State-Owned Oil Enterprises, and Representative at the World Bank Group. As Energy Minister, he provided strategic oversight of key energy institutions,including the National Energy Commission (CNE) and the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission (CCHEN). He spearheaded transformative energy policies in electricity, renewables, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, establishing initiatives like the Chilean Energy Efficiency Agency (AChEE). His policy frameworks laid the foundation for sustainable development and long-term energy security in Chile.

He also served as President of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE), promoting best practices in energy security and sustainability while leading global discussions on energy and economic development. During his tenure as Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank Group, he represented six South American countries, influencing development agendas and advocating for sustainable growth aligned with global financial stability.

Dr. Raineri's advisory expertise includes working with governments, development banks, and major corporations across Latin America and beyond, including organizations like the IEA, the CAF Development Bank of Latin America, and multinational firms such as Endesa S.A. and Credit Suisse. He was instrumental in driving a $265 million clean technology research institute proposal in Chile, supporting advancements in solar energy, lithium development, and sustainable mining.

A dedicated academic, Dr. Raineri is a Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. His research contributions and publications have shaped thought leadership in energy economics, technological innovation, and policy frameworks.

Dr. S. Mauricio Medinaceli

Distinguished Bolivian economist Dr. S. Mauricio Medinaceli holds a Bachelor's degree from the Bolivian Catholic University, a Master's from Georgetown University (USA), and a PhD(c) from the Pontifical Xavierian University (Colombia). Over the course of more than two decades, Dr. Mauricio has built a remarkable career with impactful contributions across more than 20 countries.

Dr. Mauricio's expertise in the energy sector is unparalleled.... He served as Bolivia's Minister of Hydrocarbons in 2005, playing a pivotal role in shaping national energy policies. As the hydrocarbons coordinator at OLADE, based in Quito, Ecuador, Mauricio contributed significantly to regional energy integration efforts. Additionally, he directed the economics program at the Bolivian Catholic University, fostering new generations of economists and energy specialists.

Dr. Mauricio has an impressive portfolio as an international consultant, with experience in diverse regions, including Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Central and South America. His work has encompassed key energy and development projects, demonstrating his ability to address complex challenges in varied economic and political contexts.

As a seasoned academic, Dr. Mauricio has enriched the minds of students at esteemed institutions such as FLACSO (Argentina and Peru), the University of the Americas (Ecuador), the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and several universities in Bolivia and Latin America. His thought leadership and commitment to advancing knowledge in the energy and economics sectors have left an indelible mark.

Saad Siddique

Saad Siddique is a multidisciplinary energy economist and analyst at the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) in Chicago, where he provides expert testimony in utility rate cases and regulatory proceedings. His work focuses on engineering and economic evaluations of grid planning, decarbonization technologies, and energy policies, with expertise in demand response, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration. Siddique combines techno-economic analysis and ... data-driven modeling to advance equitable transitions toward affordable, resilient, and climate-friendly energy systems, balancing climate action with community needs, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Before joining ELPC, Siddique contributed to U.S. economy-wide decarbonization strategies through GTI Energy's Low-Carbon Resources Initiative, where he led hydrogen and carbon infrastructure analysis. His diverse career includes roles in emissions regulation at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, analytics at Stanford University, economic modeling at the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, and solar farm implementation at Robert Bosch Diesel Systems. This comprehensive experience informs his systems-level approach to energy transitions. Siddique holds an MS in Energy & Earth Resources from the University of Texas at Austin, complemented by Harvard Business School credentials in economics and analytics, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University.

Siddique's global leadership is evident in his roles as former Managing Editor of the Journal of Petroleum Resources Economics and coordinator of student chapters across four continents for the Society of Petroleum Resources Economists. His achievements include the Repsol STEM Innovation Award for energy sector leadership, the J.N. Tata Scholarship for academic excellence, and membership in Al Gore's Climate Reality Leadership Corps. He co-founded the SOUL Education Non-Profit Trust and mentors through organizations like the Switch Energy Alliance, blending technical expertise with community engagement.

Beyond his professional work, Siddique actively shapes future professionals through mentorship programs and educational advocacy. He consults for EdTech startups, speaks on sustainability panels, and mentors students from high school to graduate levels. His unique value lies in synthesizing engineering rigor, financial modeling expertise, and policy acumen to solve complex energy challenges. His multidisciplinary approach positions him as a strategic voice in developing sustainable energy economies that balance environmental justice with technological innovation.

Shaurya Ritwik

Shaurya Ritwik is a seasoned business strategist with over a decade of experience driving growth, innovation, and transformation across diverse sectors. His extensive work with startups, non-profits, government entities, and Fortune 500 companies has taken him across India, Southeast Asia, and the GCC region, where he has played a key role in crafting strategic roadmaps, fostering organizational growth, and guiding businesses through complex market environments.... His expertise spans business development, financial strategy, sustainability integration, and digital transformation, making him a trusted advisor to organizations navigating both emerging and established markets. With a reputation for delivering actionable insights and results driven strategies, he has consistently helped organizations unlock new opportunities and thrive in evolving global ecosystems.

With a strong professional and academic background in sustainable finance, Shaurya specializes in the intersection of finance and sustainability, shaping strategies that align with environmental responsibility and economic growth in emerging markets. He has studied at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Delhi University, and the School of Management at Fudan University, gaining a global perspective on business, finance, and sustainability.

Shaurya is also an author, having written Sustainability Unlocked: Redefining Finance and Business for Tomorrow, a comprehensive work that delves into the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and business transformation, particularly within Asia. In the book, he introduces innovative financial frameworks and models that merge sustainability with core financial principles, offering practical pathways to bridge responsibility with economic growth. Through in-depth analysis, he addresses the region's unique challenges and opportunities, illustrating how policy, finance, and technological innovation can converge to drive long term sustainable development and reshape business practices for a more equitable future.

Beyond consulting and research, Shaurya actively shares his knowledge as a guest lecturer in strategy and sustainable finance at universities and educational platforms across India, Southeast Asia, the GCC region, and Africa, equipping future leaders with the tools to navigate complex global challenges. Personally committed to the energy transition, he believes that the world's most passionate individuals should tackle its toughest challenges—a philosophy that drives his approach to addressing critical global issues.

Dr. Stephen Bygrave

Dr. Bygrave has worked for over 30 years on many leading climate initiatives at the international, national and sub-national levels. He is an Honorary Professor at the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions at the Australian National University and Director of Candlebark Mountain Refuge, a 320-acre off-grid sustainable retreat in the Australian Snowy Mountains. He is on the Board of Directors at the Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) Australia. ...

He currently consults to various clients, including as Special Advisor to the federal government on the National Electric Vehicle Strategy. Dr. Bygrave worked at the senior executive level in government for many years including as Assistant Secretary and General Manager in the Australian Department of Climate Change, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Environment and Heritage, the Australian Greenhouse Office and the Clean Energy Regulator, and as Executive Director Climate Change and Sustainability in the Australian Capital Territory Government, Strategic Advisor NSW Electricity Roadmap Taskforce, Director Climate Resilience and Net Zero Emissions in the NSW Government.

Between 2013–16 Dr. Bygrave was CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), an internationally recognised NGO researching zero emissions solutions, and between 2002–2004 worked on climate change issues at the OECD in Paris. He has had the opportunity to lead several significant climate change initiatives in Australia including the design of the mandatory renewable energy target (1997–98), the carbon price (2007–2012), 100% renewables and net zero emissions strategies in the ACT Government (2015–16), as well as Climate Change Fund clean energy initiatives and net zero plan in the NSW Government (2018–21).

His PhD, funded by Greenpeace and the ANU in the mid-1990s, looked at models for successful village-scale renewable energy adoption in the Pacific Islands. Stephen has held Visiting Professor roles at the Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland and the Institute for Environmental Studies at UNSW, as well as Visiting Fellow roles at Melbourne University and ANU.