Jigar Shah
Image: Kris Krug via Flickr CC
A successful businessman and savvy investor, Jigar Shah is determined to lead the world into a new economy. Shah is the former CEO of the Carbon War Room and remains on the board today. He is also a partner in Inerjys, a private fund that invests in clean energy projects. A thriving entrepreneur, Jigar Shah started SunEdison in 2003, which is a leading solar energy provider now. SunEdison was innovative as one of the first companies to offer long term leases on solar power, making the transition affordable and less risky.
Shah has spent his entire career focused on energy policy and promoting renewables. A mechanical engineer by training, he spent several years as a contractor at the Department of Energy and then four years as an analyst and manager for BP’s solar division before moving on to found SunEdison. He has an MBA from the University of Maryland and spent three years as CEO of the Carbon War Room before leaving last year to join Inerjys. The Carbon War Room was started by Richard Branson and provides research, networking, capital and mentorship for companies that are capable of reducing carbon emissions worldwide.
A visionary for renewable energy, Jigar Shah has written about the potential of a world without fossil fuels and claims that policy and public will power are the only barriers to achieving it. He advocates a diverse set of energy solutions through alternative sources and efficiency strategies. Even small changes such as upgrading vehicles with the latest technology would make fuel more affordable and competitive, reduce poverty and create jobs. Investment in strategies that create energy independence may be the best solution to compabting climate change, and Jigar Shah is at the forefront of those efforts.