Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder, Freyr Energy Services Private Limited
Business Journey and My Achievements
Our mission began with a simple yet powerful goal: to make solar energy accessible and affordable across India. Recognizing a significant gap in comprehensive solar solutions that lack industry benchmarking for quality standards, especially for rural India, we set out to bridge this divide.
Over the years, we have expanded our presence across 19 states, successfully executing over 8500 installations with more than 95 MW of capacity. Our innovative Freyr Energy mobile application has revolutionized the process of solar transition, enabling us to reach a wider audience efficiently. Among our key achievements, we take pride in completing one of India’s largest off-grid battery-powered systems in Manipur and driving microgrid projects to electrify remote villages across 150+ villages.
My journey into the clean energy sector is deeply rooted in my background back in undergraduate studies, where I worked on designing a” Natural house with solar and geothermal cooling system”. My Masters’ thesis was focused on designing solar-powered fuel cells for a high-altitude airship as a part of the Nuclear Engineering Department. Witnessing the transformative power of renewable energy, reinforced my belief in its potential to drive meaningful social change. After returning to India from the U.S, I chose to pursue this vision by spending the first 6 years working for large corporates to learn and understand the ground realities before co-founding Freyr Energy in 2014. Today, I remain deeply committed to empowering home and small business owners through sustainable solutions while tackling the urgent challenges of climate change. As we continue to push boundaries, our mission remains unwavering— creating a cleaner, brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Challenges as a Woman Leader & How I Overcame Them
As a woman leader in the energy sector, I’ve seldom faced challenges. Gaining credibility took time, but consistent expertise and results earned me respect. Balancing leadership and motherhood required prioritization and delegation, strengthening both my team and my focus on strategy. Navigating regulatory and financial complexities demanded resilience, which I built through mentorship and networking with fellow women entrepreneurs. Promoting diversity and inclusion has been a key priority, fostering innovation and attracting talent. By turning challenges into opportunities, I’ve driven growth for both Freyr Energy and myself.
Future of Sustainable Mobility & Women’s Role
The future of sustainable mobility and energy is deeply interconnected, driven by the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), shared mobility solutions, and an increasing reliance on renewable energy. I envision a world where electric mobility is seamlessly powered by clean energy, significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality. Technological advancements in automation, analytics, and IoT will further enhance efficiency, convenience, and accessibility in transportation. Collaboration between governments and private enterprises will be crucial in building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient transportation ecosystems, supported by policies that prioritize carbon neutrality and energy security.
Women play a pivotal role in shaping this transformation, bringing diverse perspectives, leadership, and innovation to the sustainable mobility and energy sectors. By advocating for clean energy solutions, leading groundbreaking initiatives, and mentoring the next generation of women in STEM, we can ensure that the transition to sustainable mobility is not only environmentally responsible but also equitable. My commitment remains steadfast in empowering women and fostering an industry where they thrive as leaders, innovators, and change-makers in the clean energy revolution.
Advice to Young Women in Green Energy & E-Mobility
For young women aspiring to build careers in sustainability, e-mobility, and renewable energy, a strong foundation in education and practical experience is essential. Several opportunities exist across the value chain of these industries and one can pursue anything from manufacturing to automation to Data Analytics, etc. Always recommend one to invest their time in engaging with mentors and supportive networks, particularly among women in STEM, who can offer guidance and share valuable insights. Stay ahead by embracing continuous learning, keeping up with technological advancements, and evolving industry policies.
Most importantly, being resilient and open to unlearning and re-learning will be a lifelong journey. Your unique perspectives and skills are invaluable in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.