The Department of Green Energy Technology of Pondicherry University in association with the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB-DST) organised a One Week High End Workshop (Karyashala) on “Awareness on Sustainable Energy Management & Harvesting Techniques” in Pondicherry University.
Prof. K Tharanikkarasu, Director(SEI&RR) inaugurated the workshop and emphasized the fact that energy was essential for sustainable development of any country and resources from fossil fuel were unsustainable and responsible for global warming. He also discussed the use of renewable energy sources to fulfil the energy needs of the country. The life of commercial energy sources like oil, coal and gas was likely to be exhausted by 2040 at the present rate of consumption, which was 10 times less than developed countries. Nearly 400 million people in India did not have access to electricity, and 80% population in rural areas used biomass to meet their cooking needs, he added. He concluded positively saying that we should focus towards an energy independent India by 2040.
During the workshop, a series of lectures and hands-on training sessions covered diverse and advanced fields of research–materials for sustainable energy harvesting techniques, current status and challenges of solar cells, hydrogen production, application of AI in smart grid integration, vibration energy harvesting, wind energy as well as hybrid engines.
The idea of this Karyashala is to explore ways to promote the development and use of sustainable energy without disrupting the environmental and social fabric of our nation. Putting the focus on green technologies specifically designed for developing nations like India is the best investment for the sustainable future”, said Dr. K. Karthik Selva Kumar, Assistant Professor& Convenor of the Karyashala.
In his valedictory address, Prof Rajneesh Bhutani, Registrar, stated that “the efficiency of renewable energy may be impacted by climate change in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The Karyashala emphasises the importance of being prepared for scenarios of this kind and addressing it. Felicitating the event, Dr.M.Vijayakumar, University Librarian said that “renewable energy technologies have become increasingly important as the world faces the challenge of mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and reducing the dependence on finite and polluting fossil fuels. The use of renewable energy sources has been recognized as a key factor in promoting sustainable development, which aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the future. These types of workshops will explore the role of renewable energy technologies in sustainable development and their potential to contribute to a more sustainable future.” Dr. R Arun Prasad, Head, Department of Green Energy Technology, welcomed the gathering.
Over 20 international and national resource persons from 8 states across India and 2 countries delivered talks and participants included researchers from higher education institutes like IITs, NITs, Central and State funded universities in the field of material science, renewable energy and green technologies.
The workshop served as a bridge between the academic community (faculty and research students), practitioners and policymakers.