MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DEEPESH RANA

Could you tell us who you are and what it is that you do?

My name is Deepesh Rana, and I lead the grid integration function at Linea Energy as its Vice President of Transmission. Linea is an independent power producer focused on developing, building, and operating large-scale renewable energy projects in the US - solar, wind, and battery storage. My role combines strategy and project execution - identifying where to connect new projects, overseeing their multi-year interconnection process, and ensuring those projects meet all technical and regulatory requirements to integrate reliably with the electric grid. 

What do you love about the work?

What I enjoy most is the long arc of seeing a project come to life - from a dot on a map to a field of solar panels or an array of wind turbines stretching across the horizon. These projects typically take 4 to 7 years to go from concept to operation, and the interconnection work I lead is often the first step in that long journey. In the process, I get to collaborate with experts across other disciplines and to know that the end product is something tangible that draws energy from the sun or wind. I get a strong sense of purpose in helping to diversify the nation’s energy mix and push the transition toward a more sustainable future. 

How did you arrive at this point in your career? What’s your backstory?

I grew up in New Delhi, India, and was always drawn to futuristic ideas that still felt within reach. I vividly remember having a calendar in my bedroom that had cool pictures of solar-powered cars and thriving communities amidst rolling hills of wind turbines and solar panels - that imagery stuck with me.

I moved to the US for college and began as an undecided major at Drexel University. During a co-op with Philadelphia’s local utility, I worked under a mentor who was also a professor of electrical engineering. His passion for the subject combined with firsthand exposure of its practical applications rubbed off on me, and I went on to complete both my bachelor's and master’s degrees in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems. After college, I spent a few years building my technical foundation before joining the renewable energy industry in 2016. I was drawn to roles that combined technical depth with broad impact and cross-functional collaboration. Interconnection and transmission strategy felt like a natural fit. 

Has there been a light switch moment, a turning point (or two), professionally &/or personally along the way?

One turning point came when I was 17 and preparing for competitive college entrance exams in India. My parents expected me to pursue college at home, but I was increasingly drawn to the idea of studying abroad and exploring the world beyond what I had known. That desire led to a heart-to-heart conversation with my parents, one that ultimately opened the door for me to move to the U.S. for undergrad. It was a bold move at the time, but it shaped the trajectory of my life and career.

A second turning point came a few years into my career. I had built a solid technical foundation in electrical engineering, but something was missing. I wasn’t sure what long-term direction I wanted to take until I hit a point of frustration that gave me unexpected clarity. I realized I wanted to apply my skills to a broader mission - something that aligned with tackling climate change and building a more sustainable energy future. That realization gave me a singular focus and led me to a role that felt like the perfect fit at the time. Nearly a decade later, I’m still in the same industry, driven by the same mission, and grateful for those inflection points that pushed me to act.

Who or what has been of greatest influence to you? 

Several people and experiences have shaped my path. My dad has been a steady role model - his resilience, work ethic, and adaptability have been a constant source of inspiration. Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I turn to him for advice.

I’ve also been influenced by media that made me reflect deeply on my values and career. The documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, sparked my commitment to climate-focused work in my career, while Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth, helped me find grounding during life’s more uncertain phases.

What are you currently working on, excited about, looking forward to?

Right now, I’m focused on finding ways to sustainably meet the rapid growth in electricity demand as things like AI combined with more unstable weather patterns drive big shifts in how and where energy is used. A lot of my recent work has been centered around designing battery storage and grid integration strategies that support faster, more resilient interconnection of both large loads (like AI datacenters) and renewables. I’m particularly excited about some of the early-stage efforts we’re piloting in this field as they could play a big role in shaping the future of energy and how it sustainably powers AI and our communities.