Women Taking Charge of Local Clean Energy in India to Help Bring Power to Remote Areas

Women Taking Charge of Local Clean Energy in India to Help Bring Power to Remote Areas

February 14, 2026

India’s shift to clean energy is increasingly being shaped by women leading local renewable power efforts, a move experts say could help reach homes and communities still struggling with reliable electricity and strengthen rural livelihoods while promoting fairness in the energy transition.

The trend of women-driven decentralized renewable energy (DRE) initiatives is gaining attention as a key strategy for closing energy gaps in hard-to-reach regions of the country. By involving women as community leaders, technicians, entrepreneurs and educators in renewable energy, advocates argue that India can improve access to affordable and clean power, create jobs, and build stronger local economies, especially where central grids are insufficient or unstable.

Decentralized renewable energy refers to smaller, locally controlled power systems such as rooftop solar panels, mini-grids and solar pumps that operate close to end users rather than relying solely on large grid networks. These solutions are seen as vital for meeting national climate goals and ensuring energy reaches the last mile, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Experts highlight that women’s participation can help accelerate community acceptance and uptake of renewable technologies. When women are trained and employed in energy roles from installation and maintenance to sales and awareness campaign sit not only broadens the workforce but also supports community-wide adoption of clean energy practices.

Supporters of this approach emphasize policy measures and capacity building to equip women with technical skills and leadership opportunities in the energy sector. Increased access to training, targeted incentives and organized networks are among the recommended steps to ensure women can fully contribute to and benefit from the clean energy transition. By strengthening women’s roles in decentralized renewable energy, advocates say India can make its energy transition more inclusive, equitable and effective helping to bring reliable, sustainable power to remote communities and supporting broader socio-economic development.