In a effort to contribute to India’s rapidly growing clean and renewable energy sector, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, is prepping to set up a department of sustainable energy engineering. IIT-K Director, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, stated that the Board of Governors have given their approval for the same. BoG Chair, Dr K Radhakrishnan, mentioned that starting an academic department pertaining to this field is a crucial venture, to serve the educational and technology development related needs of the country.
Current research focus of the new department to be on energy generation via solar, wind & other clean resources
Prof Karandikar further stated that the initiative comes at an opportune time, given that the government has promised to source at least 40% of its energy requirement from clean and renewable energy sources by 2030, as pledged in the Paris Agreement. He also added that the new department’s primary goal will be to assist India in its endeavour to become a global leader in the widespread adoption of sustainable energy technologies.
Prof Ashish Garg, who is coordinating the efforts related to the new department, was quoted saying, “The current research focus of the new department will be on energy generation via solar, wind and other clean resources; batteries and super capacitors; energy storage and distribution; smart grids; carbon capture; clean alternative fuels; waste-to-energy initiatives; clean water; and energy policy and economics. The research portfolio will further expand into new areas later.”
