IIT Madras collaborate with UK based university to work on renewable energy

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Research Park is collaborating with University of St. Andrews (UoSA), UK, to aid India in achieving 100 per cent of the country’s energy requirements through renewable energy. The project is funded by the UK government and is aimed at sharing knowledge and understanding of low-carbon energy systems and showcasing examples of low-carbon energy in practice.

As a part of the partnership, two joint seminars on ‘Towards 100% Renewable Energy - Routes to Net Zero’ were held in June 2021.

British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said, “Technology, research and innovation are at the heart of the UK-India relationship. I saw the partnership in action when I met researchers and entrepreneurs at IIT Madras Research Park who are already at the cutting edge of India’s clean growth transition. The research partnership has great potential to develop world class energy systems and products as we build back better from the pandemic.”

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Highlighting the key aspects of this collaboration, Ashok Jhunjhunwala, president, IIT-M Research Park, said, “green-house emissions is a serious problem for the whole world. India has to its bit. Commercial complexes like IITM Research Park (IITMRP), industries and High-Income Group urban housing need to take a lead and commit to use only green electricity and green hydrogen over the next decade. IITMRP is working to move close to 100% RE by wheeling in solar and wind-based electricity and creating chilled water and Battery Storage for energy.”

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The partnership aims to jointly undertake research, share knowledge and understanding of low-carbon energy systems. The collaboration between the two institutes plan to work together to develop a model for low-carbon innovation ecosystems.

Speaking about this partnership, John Irvine of the University of St Andrews said, "our work with IITM will help us to develop low-carbon solutions for energy storage, and support both our countries in meeting their ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions.”