Dr Ajay Mathur

Dr Ajay Mathur is the Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) treaty–based inter-governmental organization with 114 member countries, which aims to make solar energy the energy-of-choice in its member countries. Dr Mathur has spearheaded the implementation of solar energy and associated capacity building projects in many developing countries, and the publication of annual progress reports on solar technology, markets and investments. Recently, the ISA has embarked on the creation of a Solar Facility to mitigate the risks associated with solar investments in African Countries, and launched a programme to identify and strengthen solar startups in that continent. Prior to joining ISA, Dr Mathur was Director General of the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and a member of the Prime Minister of India’s Council on Climate Change. He was co-chair of the global Energy Transitions Commission and the Clean Cooling Initiative of the One Planet Summit. He earlier headed the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency and was responsible for its programmes which mainstreamed energy efficiency in appliances, building, and energy-intensive industries. He was a leading climate change negotiator and was the Indian spokesperson at the Paris climate negotiations. He served as the interim Director of the Green Climate Fund during its foundational period.