Tanya Singhal is a distinguished expert in climate tech and renewable energy, with over 2 decades of experience. She founded SolarArise, raised & deployed over Rs 2000 Cr to build 7 large-scale solar plants totalling half a GW across India, and shaped renewable policies with the Ministry of Renewable Energy. After listing SolarArise on the London Stock Exchange as a part of an InVit, she now leads Mynzo Carbon, using AI for emission measurement, reduction and carbon recapture. An IIT Delhi alum, she’s recognized in Business World’s 40 under 40 and advocates for women in the industry. Here, Tanya Singhal tells TheGlitz about her milestones and more.
Over To Tanya Singhal
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about the life-changing milestones that have moulded you to be what you are today?
My journey has been marked by several life-changing milestones. One significant moment was when I decided to leave a thriving consulting career at BCG to venture into the nascent solar industry in 2010, despite discouragement and skepticism from many. Founding SolarArise, developing over half a GW of solar projects across India, and ultimately listing the firm as a part of a trust on the London Stock Exchange were momentous milestones. Most recently, embarking on my new venture, Mynzo Carbon, to tackle climate change through technology, has been the next transformative experience in my journey.
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
My entrepreneurial journey has been far from a bed of roses. An early setback was the failure of my first venture focused on solar thermal technology, which had to be shut down as the technology didn’t mature fast enough. However, we didn’t give up; we pivoted, learned about solar PV, and SolarArise was born. The lesson I learned was that perseverance and a strong belief in your vision (backed by data facts and analytics) can turn skepticism into acceptance and success.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
The three qualities that have been instrumental in my journey are resilience, a passion for sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. These traits have helped me navigate challenges, drive change in the renewable energy sector, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
The wind beneath my wings has been my family, mentors, and the teams I’ve worked with, particularly my co-founders at SolarArise. Their support, guidance, and belief in my vision have been crucial in my journey. Additionally, the inspiration I draw from the potential impact of our work on the planet and future generations has been a constant source of motivation.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
A quote that resonates with me and defines my approach is by Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” This quote encapsulates my drive to make a positive impact on the environment and society through my work in renewable energy and climate tech. It was actually a driver for me to start SolarArise when no one believed my analysis in 2010 that solar can be cheaper than coal by 2020 and I decided to pursue it myself to make it a reality (and we hit our goal in 2015, 5 yrs ahead of my vision!)
