In an era when climate uncertainty shadows the future, Sumant Sinha stands tall as one of the world’s most relentless champions of clean energy. His journey—from an engineering student in New Delhi to one of the most influential renewable energy leaders globally—is a story of courage, conviction, and an unshakeable commitment to building a sustainable planet.
As the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ReNew, Sumant Sinha has become the face of India’s energy transformation, proving that business success and environmental responsibility not only can coexist but can meaningfully accelerate each other. Today, he is widely celebrated as a global entrepreneur, a thought leader on climate action, and one of the foremost architects of India’s green future.
Early Life of Sumant Sinha: Foundations of a Purpose-Driven Leader
Born on 12 February 1965 in New Delhi to Yashwant Sinha and Nilima Sinha, Sumant grew up in an environment that valued integrity, education, and public service. His schooling at St. Columba’s School and engineering degree from IIT Delhi shaped his analytical mind, while IIM Calcutta refined his business instincts. His Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University would later widen his worldview and reinforce his belief that global problems demand global responsibility.
His academic path was not simply a collection of degrees; it was the foundation of the values and multidisciplinary thinking that would later define his leadership in climate-focused business transformation.
A Corporate Journey That Built a Future Vision
Sumant Sinha’s career began at Tata Administrative Services in 1989, but his trajectory soon took him into the world of global finance through investment banking roles at Citicorp Securities and ING Barings in the US and UK. These years sharpened his understanding of international markets, capital flows, and large-scale infrastructure financing—tools that would later become critical as he envisioned building a renewable energy giant from scratch.
In 2002, he returned to India and became Chief Financial Officer of the Aditya Birla Group, where he played a pivotal role in transformational acquisitions such as Ultratech Cement, Novelis, and Idea Cellular. He also led the creation of Aditya Birla Retail, serving as its CEO from 2007 to 2008. His next stint as CFO of Suzlon Energy brought him closer to the renewable energy sector, illuminating the possibilities and challenges of India’s clean power landscape.
These experiences set the stage for the biggest leap of his life.
Sumant Sinha: ReNew – A Dream That Redefined an Entire Sector
In 2011, with the conviction that India needed a bold new approach to energy, Sumant Sinha founded ReNew—a company that began with a simple yet ambitious dream: to accelerate India’s transition to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy.
What started as an idea quickly became a movement.
The company’s first project—a 25.2 MW wind farm in Gujarat, inaugurated by Narendra Modi—was just the beginning. Within a few years, ReNew expanded aggressively:
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5,800 MW commissioned in just six years
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A clean energy portfolio reaching 15.6 GW by 2024
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A total pipeline of 28 GW by 2025
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Expansion into solar manufacturing, battery storage, green hydrogen, and carbon markets
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Becoming one of the largest renewable energy companies listed on Nasdaq
His leadership also inspired the creation of the Sumant Sinha ReNew Centre of Excellence for Energy and Environment at IIT Delhi, empowering cutting-edge innovation in renewable technologies.
Today, ReNew is more than a company—it is a global symbol of India’s potential to lead the clean energy revolution.
A Global Climate Advocate Committed to a Better World
Sumant Sinha is not just a business leader; he is a global voice for climate action. He co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, serves on multiple international boards, and is a founding member of several climate initiatives.
His roles include:
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Co-Chair, WEF Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders (2024)
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Founding Co-Chair, Bharat Climate Forum
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Member, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
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Former Chair, Rocky Mountain Institute
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President, ASSOCHAM (2022–23)
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Member of Ministry of Power’s committee on accelerating clean deployment
He has also represented India at global platforms like UNGA, COP, Climate Week NYC, and leading universities worldwide.
His bestselling book, “Fossil Free”, remains one of the most insightful guides to India’s journey toward a carbon-neutral future.
Recognition: A Leader the World Looks Up To
Sumant Sinha has been widely honored for his pioneering work:
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Forbes Global Sustainability Leader 2025
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TIME100 Most Influential Climate Leaders 2024
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USISPF Global Leadership Award 2022
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ET Energy Chief Executive of the Year 2022
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Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year 2018
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EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017
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First Indian business leader recognized as a United Nations SDG Pioneer