The Two Day National Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Sustainability (NCGETS2024) commenced amidst great anticipation and enthusiasm at Pondicherry University. The inaugural session began with the rendition of the University Anthem, setting the tone for the day’s proceedings. Professor R. Arun Prasath, the Convenor and Head of Green Energy Technology, extended a warm welcome and about the conference.
Prof. R. Arun Prasath expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and sponsors such as South Asia Foundation, India, Hon’ble CM of Puducherry Shri Rangaswamy, Govt of Puducherry, Puducherry Tourism, Canara Bank, Solon India Pvt Ltd, Ather Electric, Association for Promoting Sustainability in Campuses and Communities, M/s. The National Scientific, Laser Spectra Services India Pvt. Ltd, CHEMFAB Alkalis Limited, Global Sustainable Energy Solutions, Sisco Research Laboratories (SRL) Pvt. Ltd, Sai Scientific & Surgicals, TVS Electric, and Entuple Technologies Pvt ltd for their support in organizing the conference.
Professor R. Arun Prasath emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing the global issue such as climate change, global warming, environment pollution, energy crisis, etc. due to use of carbon based fossil fuels. The need arose to develop greener and cleaner technologies to have a higher potential to solve these major global issues. He stressed that a quantum leap transition from carbon-based fossil fuels to non-carbon-based and carbon-neutral fuels is essential to address the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The importance of the quantum leap transition entails radical and massive transformation towards greener and cleaner energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, ocean, wave, waste-to- energy, geothermal power, hydrogen energy, and the development of new energy conversion and storage like fuel cells, hydrogen, electrolyzers, electrical mobility, more efficient energy storage systems, carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, green building and green chemical technologies, etc. can help reduce carbon emissions for cleaner environment. Prof. Arun said that the global collective efforts by governments, businesses, researchers, technology developers and environmentally conscious individuals working towards the promotion/development of green and clean energy technologies to achieve a greener and cleaner environment, energy security, and sustainable development is the need of the hour. This two-day “National Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Sustainability NCGETS 2024” will support towards achieving sustainability. In addition, Prof. R. Arun Prasath highlighted the department’s commitment to fostering innovation and research in green energy technologies, underscoring the pivotal role of education and knowledge exchange in achieving sustainability goals.
The Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tharanikarasu, Guest of Honour Madame France Marquet, Trustee of MSF and UNESCO SAF representative and other dignitaries, -highlighting the conference's objectives of bridging academia and industry to foster collaborative learning and innovations for sustainable developments. This was followed by the lamp lighting ceremony marking the start of the event, symbolizing the pursuit of innovative solutions in green energy by dignitaries. In the later event, the dignitaries released the abstract book for the NCGETS Conference 2024. Prof. A. Subramania, Dean of Mandanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technologies, delivered a felicitation address, emphasizing the transition to clean and green technologies. Presiding over the ceremony, Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tharanikarasu addressed the current challenges, citing examples like water scarcity in Bangalore, and stressed the need for sustainable processes without compromising ecosystems. He praised the research efforts of the Green Energy Department and urged them to expand nationally under the National Education Policy.
Madame France Marquet reminisced about the achievements of the late goodwill Ambassador and SAF founder Madanjeet Singh, sharing his vision of renewable energy and presenting a memorial video. Guest of honor Prof. A.K. Shukla from IISc Banglore discussed the five main changes humanity faces today and emphasized green hydrogen production as a sustainable energy solution, highlighting global initiatives in countries like the UK, US, Europe and Japan. The inaugural session concluded with Prof. P. Elumalai, Co-convenor of the conference, thanking all dignitaries followed by the national anthem.
The morning session featured a plenary lecture by Prof. A.K. Shukla from IISc Bangalore, renowned for his expertise in green energy research. This was followed by invited talks from keynote speakers, comprising two sessions, where experts shared their research findings and innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges.