Mahesh Patankar provides analytical and research support to RAP’s India strategy, specifically related to bringing innovations in the Indian wholesale market design, distribution sector reforms, and integration of electric vehicles and renewables into the grid. He also advises the team on strategic engagements with stakeholders in Indian states, including governments, utilities, regulators, think tanks and civil society.

Dr. Patankar leads MP Ensystems Advisory Pvt. Ltd., a niche advisory service providing cutting-edge solutions on policy, financing and implementation in the electricity, transportation and smart built environments in emerging economies in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. He advises the World Bank Group on water conservation in agriculture, urban and industrial settings through leading a multistakeholder platform that includes the public and private sectors and civil society. He is also an adjunct fellow (nonresident) with the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies.

He has worked for state regulators in India as a staff consultant and for the International Institute of Energy Conservation think tank, the Asian Institute of Technology, and companies in Asian energy and environment domains. He has extensive international work experience, primarily providing energy and environmental solutions to energy economies in Southeast Asia and the southern Pacific islands and intermittently in Africa and the Mideast.

Dr. Patankar holds an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering (1991) from Shivaji University, a master’s in financial management (1997) from the University of Mumbai, and a doctorate (2006) from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where he focused on transitions to alternative public transportation strategies linking policies and implementation.

He is fluent in English, Hindi and Marathi and likes to test his skills at Thai.