Biography:
Clementine Chambon is a chemical engineer who has dedicated her career to finding energy solutions for energy-deprived countries. She currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Oorja Development Solutions, a social enterprise that focuses on providing clean energy access to off-grid communities in rural India.
Chambon’s journey in the field of chemical engineering started when she completed her Masters in Chemical Engineering at the prestigious University of Cambridge in 2014. During her time at Cambridge, she had the opportunity to intern at Mars Petcare in Verden, Northern Germany, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the industry. Her exceptional academic performance earned her a graduate prize from the Salters’ Institute of Industrial Chemistry.
Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Chambon went on to complete her PhD in lignocellulosic biofuels in 2017. Her research was funded by an Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship and the Grantham Institute for Climate Change. This research allowed her to delve deeper into the realm of sustainable energy solutions.
Chambon’s expertise lies in biomass gasification systems and the deployment of viable emerging decentralised energy solutions. Her technical knowledge and dedication to finding sustainable energy solutions caught the attention of Echoing Green, who awarded her a Climate Fellowship with a grant of $90,000 in 2015.
In recognition of her contributions to the field, Chambon received the Institution of Chemical Engineers Young Researcher Award in 2017. This prestigious award serves as a testament to her innovative research and commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Apart from her academic and research accomplishments, Chambon is also the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Oorja Development Solutions. She conceptualized the idea for Oorja during the Climate-KIC Journey, a summer school that focuses on teaching climate entrepreneurship, in August 2014. Oorja’s mission is to provide clean energy and biochar to rural off-grid communities in India. Chambon is responsible for the design and construction of Oorja’s easily operable mini-power plants, which convert agricultural waste into affordable electricity that can be operated by local individuals.
Under Chambon’s leadership, Oorja aims to impact the lives of one million people by 2025. They provide subsidized electricity for low-income households, women-led households, schools, health centers, and off-grid street lights. Chambon’s dedication to bringing sustainable energy solutions to these communities has garnered recognition, and she was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List for top Social Entrepreneurs in 2016. Additionally, MIT Technology Review recognized her as one of the French innovators under 35 years old.
Chambon’s passion for clean energy and her commitment to creating a positive change in society have led her to electrify 100 homes in Uttar Pradesh’s Sarvantara Village in 2017, providing much-needed energy access for 1,000 people.
Through her research, technical expertise, and leadership at Oorja Development Solutions, Clementine Chambon continues to be a driving force in the field of sustainable energy and a role model for aspiring engineers and social entrepreneurs.
Awards:
– Graduate prize from the Salters’ Institute of Industrial Chemistry.
– Institution of Chemical Engineers Young Researcher Award.