It was a pleasure to join Brian Kenny, host of the Harvard Business School Cold Call podcast, alongside Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO of Tata Power, to discuss one of the defining transformations of our time: India’s energy transition.
Tata Power, India’s oldest and largest private power producer, sits at the center of this story. From pioneering clean hydropower in 1915 to building one of the country’s most extensive thermal power networks, the company’s history mirrors India’s own industrial evolution. Today, Tata Power is leading a new chapter: an ambitious journey toward net-zero emissions by 2045, well ahead of India’s national 2070 target.
In our conversation, we explored how Tata Power is reimagining its role in a rapidly changing energy landscape balancing profitability with purpose while preparing for a future defined by clean technologies, digital innovation, and stakeholder accountability.
I shared how this case emerged from my Harvard Business School immersive field course, “Development While Decarbonizing: India’s Path to Net Zero,” where students engage firsthand with companies shaping the climate transition in emerging markets. The Tata Power case examines a fundamental question that developing economies must confront: how to sustain growth while reducing carbon intensity. With nearly 80% of India’s infrastructure yet to be built, the decisions made today will define the country’s emissions trajectory for generations to come.
As Dr. Sinha highlighted, Tata Power’s commitment to accelerate its net-zero goal was not merely a strategic choice but a moral one rooted in the belief that “what is right for the country is right for Tata Power.” By diversifying into renewables, distributed generation, and smart grids, the company is not just decarbonizing; it is redesigning India’s energy architecture to make power reliable, affordable, and sustainable.
We also discussed the leadership challenge of reconciling short-term investor pressures with long-term sustainability goals. The case illustrates how forward-looking companies can create value by getting ahead of regulation and aligning with emerging investor priorities. As I shared during the episode, energy transition is not just a risk to be managed, but is a massive opportunity to create long-term value.
Another important dimension of Tata Power’s journey lies in people and technology. Through initiatives such as Project Daksh, the company is reskilling employees for new roles in data analytics, smart grids, and renewable operations demonstrating that the clean energy transition can also be a vehicle for inclusive growth and job creation.
Dr. Sinha and I also reflected on the role of customers in this transformation. With innovations like rooftop solar, microgrids, and smart metering, Tata Power’s consumers are evolving from passive users to “prosumers” active participants in the democratization of energy.
From the boardroom to the grid, Tata Power’s example underscores a powerful message: sustainability and economic performance can reinforce each other when guided by long-term vision and accountability.
Thank you to the Harvard Business School team for producing this episode, and to Dr. Sinha for sharing his insight and leadership.
Listen to the full episode of Cold Call: https://lnkd.in/dNrfZsRs