Energy for Billions: India’s Turnaround and the World’s Future is both a personal memoir and a national chronicle — the story of one man’s journey from a small, unelectrified home in a rural village in India to the global stage of energy and climate diplomacy, and of a nation’s extraordinary transformation from scarcity to leadership in clean energy.
In this deeply engaging narrative, Dr. Piyush Verma blends personal reflection with policy insight to tell the story of India’s energy revolution — a decade that redefined what is possible for emerging economies. He traces how bold reforms, innovative governance, and inclusive development turned the world’s most populous democracy into a beacon for sustainable growth.
Moving seamlessly between lived experience and global perspective, Energy for Billions captures the courage and conviction behind India’s clean energy milestones — from rural electrification and renewable expansion to its bold 2047 energy independence and 2070 net-zero ambitions. It examines how people, policies, and partnerships together shaped one of the greatest developmental turnarounds during the last decade.
This book is not just about energy systems — it is about courage, leadership, and the will to transform. India’s journey shows that when a billion people are empowered by vision and conviction, they don’t simply light their homes — they illuminate the world.
Where to purchase:
Availability in India: Bookstores, Paperback
The book explores:
A personal and national journey — tracing Dr. Verma’s path from growing up without electricity in rural India to shaping global energy policy, mirroring India’s own rise from scarcity to sustainability.
A decade of transformation — capturing India’s breakthroughs in renewable energy, electrification, and governance reform that turned the country into one of the world’s clean energy leaders.
A vision for the future — looking ahead to India’s 2047 energy independence and 2070 net-zero goals, and the lessons its journey offers for the Global South and the world.
Written in simple, engaging language, the book is designed for anyone — not just energy professionals — to understand where energy truly sits in our society, how it shapes our economy, and why it defines our collective future. It connects the human experience with systemic change, making complex transitions both relatable and real.
REVIEWS
Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Prime Minister of Niue:“India’s energy transformation offers valuable insights for countries of all sizes. As a small island nation, Niue shares the global aspiration for clean, reliable, and inclusive energy systems. This book highlights how thoughtful policy, innovation, and community engagement can make a real difference. We welcome the opportunity to learn from India’s experience and contribute our own perspectives to the global energy conversation.”
Upendra Tripathy, Founding Director General Emeritus, International Solar Alliance & Former Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India: “This book tells India’s energy story with rare authenticity — through the eyes of someone who has both lived its challenges and helped shape its progress. It beautifully connects India’s local context and achievements with its global leadership, offering valuable insights into how developing economies can lead through conviction, cooperation, and creativity.”
Ashok Lavasa, Former Secretary - Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Former Union Finance Secretary, Former Election Commissioner of India, and Former Vice President, Private Sector & Public-Private Partnership, Asian Development Bank:"Piyush Verma's book is a story of light and freedom. It narrates through the author's vivid personal experience how a nation that suffered economic and energy deprivation under colonial rule, succeeded in gaining freedom and with it, the opportunity to overcome its era of darkness. India had virtually missed the first phase of the advent of electricity but after independence shaped policies and programmes to provide its vast population electricity for improving the quality of their lives and for propelling economic growth. Even as India demonstrates its determination to attain energy security, the book makes a compelling case for it to emerge as a leader in the production of green energy and sustainable consumption through pioneering measures for energy conservation and efficiency."
Ajay Mathur, Professor of Practice, School of Public Policy, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Former Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India, and Former Director General, International Solar Alliance: Piyush’s journey mirrors that of India’s energy transition - rapid, outwardly-facing, and marked by constant learning. This book is a great coming-of-age saga, both of a country and of one of its proud citizens.
Arvinn Gadgil, Former Deputy Minister and State Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway, former Director of the UN Global Policy Centre for Governance:“This is an extraordinary book — unlike anything else written on India’s renewable energy journey. It offers a rare and deeply informed perspective on the country’s phenomenal transition toward clean power. Yet what truly sets it apart is not just its wealth of data and incisive analysis — which will undoubtedly make you the most knowledgeable person in any room discussing India’s energy future — but its humanity. Framed through a personal lens, it reminds us that renewable energy is not merely an economic or technological revolution. It is, at its core, a profoundly social and personal transformation — one that touches the lives of hundreds of millions and redefines the very idea of progress.”
Randolph Brazier, Global Head of Clean Power Systems, HSBC: “This is a must read if you are interested in how India has totally transformed its energy system – electrifying the nation, lifting millions out of poverty and rolling out low carbon solutions at scale. Piyush Verma brings a unique blend of personal history and story telling with experience and policy analysis, which makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of India’s energy system, and/or how one can learn from India’s experience and apply it into other markets and regions.”
Bertha Dlamini, Founding President, African Women in Energy and Power: “Africa’s energy transition is not merely a technological revolution — it is a call to justice, equity, and bold reimagination. As we develop, rewire, and connect the continent’s grids, we must also rewire our systems of opportunity — placing women, youth, and persons with disabilities at the heart of energy leadership. This is how we power the future — with inclusion as our fuel and transformation as our legacy. This book powerfully echoes this vision, showing how a nation’s inclusive approach to energy can inspire others across the Global South.”
Molly Webb, Founder and CEO, Energy Unlocked and Co-Founder PeerCo, UK: "This book is a must-read reminder that the future of energy is not just about technology or policy, but about people and the systems that enable them to lead change. Piyush Verma has a unique voice, someone who has lived the transformation he describes. At a moment when we need fresh thinking on climate and energy, this book reframes the conversation around governance — the often-overlooked foundation of just and enduring transitions."
Gareth Hughes, Former Member of Parliament, New Zealand: “Having seen Dr. Piyush Verma’s work first-hand, I know his commitment to sustainable energy is both intellectual and deeply personal. This book is a reflection of that passion — weaving India’s extraordinary progress with lessons the world can adapt. It is a timely contribution as India and New Zealand also explore diverse opportunities to collaborate more closely.”
Leonardo Beltrán Rodríguez, Former Deputy Secretary of Energy Planning and Transition, Mexico, and Former Board Member, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL): “India’s energy transition demonstrates that governance innovation is as important as technological progress. Piyush Verma’s book captures this reality — showing how a developing country can align growth, inclusion, and sustainability through clear vision and effective institutions. It is an invaluable contribution for every nation seeking to turn energy challenges into opportunities for shared prosperity.”
Sanjay Jaiswal, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and Chief Whip, BJP, India: “Having seen firsthand how lack of reliable energy affects public health, rural livelihoods, and overall well-being, I believe India’s energy story of the last decade is among the most transformative stories of our time. The book captures this profound connection between energy and human development with great insight and authenticity. Dr. Piyush Verma’s journey — from growing up without electricity to leading global energy initiatives — mirrors India’s own rise from scarcity to self-belief. The book is a powerful reminder that energy is not just an economic resource, but a public good that touches every life and defines our collective progress.”
Brian Norton, President, European Sustainable Energy Innovation Alliance, Emeritus Professor of Solar Energy Applications, Technological University Dublin: Few countries' energy policies reconcile sustainability, affordability and supply security, whilst also underpinning economic prosperity. In this deeply personal account of India’s rapid energy transition, Piyush Verma presents important and timely lessons, particularly in how governance and social policy have been brought to the fore.
Túlio Andrade, Diplomat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil; COP30 Chief Strategy Officer: “As Brazil prepares to host COP30, India’s Energy Transformation offers a powerful narrative of how emerging economies can lead with purpose, pragmatism, and people-centered ambition. Based on his incomparable personal experience on the ground, Piyush Verma brilliantly captures India’s experience in proving that development and climate are not opposing pursuits — they can, and must, be mutually supportive in shaping a just and inclusive global transition towards low-carbon and climate resilient prosperity, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.”
Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman and CEO, ReNew: India’s clean energy journey has been one of vision, scale and relentless execution – transforming what once seemed aspirational into achievable. This book captures this spirit beautifully, chronicling how policy, innovation and enterprise have worked together to make India a global leader in renewables. It is a timely and inspiring reflection on how far we’ve come and where we can go next.
Rajat Saini, CEO & MD, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC): “The story of India’s energy transition is also the story of sustainable industrial infrastructure. From smart industrial cities to green logistics, energy has become the enabler of both competitiveness and climate action. This book highlights how India is building a resilient growth model for industry and investment.”
Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF): “Energy transitions are not just about changing fuel sources — they are essentially about changing the distribution of power. India’s Energy Transformation captures this tectonic shift from the ground up, revealing how India is scripting a new grammar of growth — where sustainability, self-reliance, and the imperative to secure the last human shape a new global energy order.”
Shashank Mani, Member of Parliament of India, Deoria Lok Sabha: “As India moves through Amrit Kaal, it is the rise of Middle India, our towns, districts, and enterprising citizens, that is powering the nation’s transformation. At the heart of this journey is energy access, lighting every home, enabling livelihood, and strengthening trust in our institutions. India’s clean-energy revolution shows how innovation, inclusion, and implementation can advance together. When government, enterprise, and citizens act in a whole-of-society spirit, we create not just power, but progress, lighting the path to a Viksit Bharat.”