Tanya Singhal: Forging Paths to a Greener Tomorrow
In 2009, while immersed in strategy consulting at the Boston Consulting Group, Tanya Singhal was captivated by a presentation revealing that a small area covering just 7.5% of the desert on the map of India, if filled with solar panels, could power the entire country. This revelation ignited her passion for solar energy and its potential to address the climate crisis. Driven by this newfound zeal, Tanya transitioned from her stable and prosperous consulting career to join a solar engineering firm to explore how solar energy could be harnessed in India.
By 2014, Tanya embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, founding SolarArise with a vision to make solar power competitively priced, or even cheaper, than conventional energy sources. Over the next decade, she successfully raised and deployed over ₹2000 Crore in capital to develop seven solar plants, totaling approximately half a gigawatt across more than 1500 acres of land. This achievement not only powered over 250,000 homes but also led to a reduction of over 600,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. SolarArise’s assets were eventually listed as part of a trust on the London Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in making solar energy cheaper than fossil fuels and a major topic of discussion.
Following her exit from SolarArise and the subsequent listing of its assets, Tanya continued her commitment to advancing carbon neutrality by founding Mynzo – MyNetZero. Through this new venture, she aims to leverage technology and AI to promote climate consciousness and foster a low-carbon world, addressing the pressing challenges of the climate crisis.
Leading Solar Innovation
SolarArise was founded with a mission to make solar energy more affordable and accessible than conventional power. The organization’s vision is to lead India’s transition to sustainable, renewable energy sources. This commitment is evident in SolarArise’s daily operations, characterized by continuous innovation in solar technology, data-driven approaches to optimize plant performance, and a focus on reducing costs and enhancing efficiency.
At Mynzo, the mission is to elevate climate consciousness among individuals and organizations through AI-driven insights. The goal is to promote climate action and address climate change challenges by fostering a low-carbon world.
Turning Solar Dreams into Tangible Impact
One of the key milestones in Tanya Singhal’s career was the successful raising and deployment of over Rs 2000 Cr in capital to establish seven solar plants, collectively generating nearly half a gigawatt of power. These plants now supply electricity to over 250,000 homes and contribute to a reduction of 600,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Another transformative achievement was the listing of SolarArise on the London Stock Exchange as part of an infrastructure trust. This milestone not only marked a successful exit but also showcased the viability and profitability of solar energy investments.
Achieving Carbon Neutrality with Technological Integration
Incorporating technology is central to operations at both SolarArise and Mynzo. At SolarArise, Tanya Singhal’s team utilizes AI and data analytics to develop digital twins of their solar plants. This technology facilitates predictive maintenance and real-time performance optimization, significantly boosting operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
At Mynzo, the focus is on leveraging advanced technology to enhance climate consciousness. The platform employs AI and machine learning to automatically measure an individual’s carbon footprint through phone sensor data, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This real-time, data-driven approach offers personalized insights and recommendations, helping users effectively reduce their carbon emissions. By integrating IoT and AI, Mynzo aims to make carbon neutrality achievable for both individuals and organizations, demonstrating how technology can drive sustainability on both micro and macro levels.
Navigating Pioneering Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Tanya Singhal faced was navigating the early days of SolarArise, a period when the solar industry in India was still in its infancy and fraught with regulatory and financial uncertainties. Overcoming these hurdles required persistence, data-driven decision-making, and the unwavering support of her family and co-founders. Tanya’s background in strategy consulting proved invaluable, allowing her to anticipate industry trends, adapt swiftly, and maintain a clear long-term vision for SolarArise.
Smart Solutions for a Greener Future
At Mynzo Carbon, the use of AI and machine learning to automatically measure an individual’s carbon footprint through phone sensor data sets the company apart. This innovation eliminates the need for manual data entry and provides real-time, personalized insights into carbon emissions, empowering users to make informed decisions to reduce their environmental impact. Additionally, Mynzo Carbon’s “My-Forest” initiative exemplifies a commitment to a circular economy by focusing on building long-term carbon recapture assets rather than relying on one-time offsets. This approach not only sequesters carbon but also supports local ecosystems and communities, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable impact.
At SolarArise, each solar plant was designed and developed as an independent cash-generating unit, providing stable and predictable returns. The incorporation of deep analytics and AI for predictive maintenance allowed the company to anticipate and address potential issues before they arose. This strategy maximized operational efficiency and enhanced the financial performance of their assets. The strategic integration of advanced technology and innovative business models has distinguished SolarArise in the renewable energy sector, driving both environmental and economic benefits.
Tanya advises aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs to follow their passion and remain persistent, even when facing adversity. She acknowledges that the journey will be challenging, but with dedication, innovation, and a strong support system, achieving one’s goals is possible. She also emphasizes the importance of embracing sustainability as a core value, viewing it not just as an environmental imperative but also as a strategic opportunity for long-term success.
Fueling Innovation and Climate Awareness
Tanya emphasizes that staying innovative necessitates continuous learning. She advises focusing on research and development, embracing new technologies, and maintaining a flexible and adaptive mindset. Her approach involves substantial investments in AI and data analytics to boost operational efficiency and exploring new financing mechanisms to attract investment. Additionally, she has cultivated a culture of continuous learning within the organization to ensure they stay ahead of the curve.
Looking ahead, Tanya’s primary focus is on expanding efforts to promote climate consciousness among the masses. She aims to engage with diverse audiences, from schools and colleges to corporate environments, to foster a culture of sustainability and
environmental responsibility. By educating youth and working professionals, she hopes to instill a mindset of climate mindfulness that becomes second nature in their daily lives.
In addition to these educational initiatives, Tanya is committed to giving back to the entrepreneurial community. She plans to dedicate a significant portion of her time to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing her experiences, and guiding them through the challenges of building sustainable businesses. Expanding Mynzo Carbon’s reach is also a key objective.
Shaping a Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
Staying motivated for Tanya stems from a deep sense of purpose and passion for her cause. The knowledge that her work is making a tangible difference in combating climate change keeps her driven. During tough times, she focuses on the long-term vision, draws strength from the support of her family and team, and celebrates small wins along the way. Maintaining a balance between work and personal life through activities like music and fitness also helps her stay energized and focused.
Tanya aspires to leave a legacy of innovation and sustainability. She wants to be remembered for making solar energy accessible and affordable, transforming it into a mainstream power source. Through Mynzo, she aims to foster a culture of climate consciousness and empower individuals and organizations to achieve carbon neutrality. By continuing to drive technological advancements, policy advocacy, and community engagement, Tanya plans to create a lasting impact on the industry and inspire future generations to pursue sustainable development.
