Jigar H. Shah has been honored with the 2025 Alumni Award for Distinguished Service by the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This prestigious award is given annually to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to engineering, entrepreneurship, and society.
Shah, a 1996 graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, later pursued an MBA at the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2001. His dedication to advancing clean energy and sustainable infrastructure has earned him this recognition.
From March 2021 to January 2025, Shah served as the director of the Loan Programs Office (LPO) at the U.S. Department of Energy. In this role, he oversaw funding initiatives that supported innovative clean energy, advanced transportation, and Tribal energy projects across the United States. His tenure at LPO helped drive the adoption of breakthrough energy solutions.
Before his time at the DOE, Shah co-founded Generate Capital, where he championed low-cost financing solutions to accelerate decarbonization efforts. He also played a key role as the founding CEO of the Carbon War Room, a global nonprofit launched by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Unite to support entrepreneurs combating climate change.
Additionally, Shah is known for establishing SunEdison, a pioneering company that introduced the “pay as you save” solar financing model, making renewable energy more accessible. His entrepreneurial vision and commitment to sustainability have positioned him as a leading figure in the clean energy sector.
With this award, the University of Illinois recognizes Shah’s lasting impact on engineering, energy innovation, and his service to both the professional and academic communities.
