E-Paper
Centre for energy studies on cards
COUNTRY'S PREMIER institute of technical studies, the Motilal Nehru National Institute Technology (MNNIT) is now planning to undertake systematic and detailed studies focusing on the energy scenario. For the purpose, the Deemed University is now considering setting up a separate Centre for Energy Studies (CES) to conduct, encourage and facilitate research and analysis to address energy-related problems and issues affecting the Indian economy, environment and citizenry.
COUNTRY'S PREMIER institute of technical studies, the Motilal Nehru National Institute Technology (MNNIT) is now planning to undertake systematic and detailed studies focusing on the energy scenario. For the purpose, the Deemed University is now considering setting up a separate Centre for Energy Studies (CES) to conduct, encourage and facilitate research and analysis to address energy-related problems and issues affecting the Indian economy, environment and citizenry.
"The proposed Centre for Energy Studies will be an inter-disciplinary centre deriving its strength from the basic disciplines of physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Supported by an excellent faculty, the Centre will impart teaching, conduct research and provide consultancy in various facets of energy system such as fuel technology, environmental pollution, renewable energy, IC engines, electrical energy systems, plasma science and technology and energy conservation and planning," informed MNNIT Director Prof Arun Baran Samaddar.
"A formal co-ordination committee headed by Prof SK Agarwal of MNNIT's Mechanical Engineering department has been formed to prepare a blue-print of the proposed CES. Dr Ravi Prakash, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering department has been made the convenor of the committee," he added and informed that one member each of all MNNIT departments will play an active role in the committee.
Prof Samaddar said that whether conducted by its staff or by others it supports, CES' goal will be to provide a balanced, objective, and timely treatment of issues with potentially important consequences for the country.
Dr Ravi Prakash, the convenor of the CES co-ordination committee, said, "Initially, we will try to establish an academia-industry consortium for energy conservation and stress would be laid to procure research and development projects in the field of energy conservation."
He said that after completing the ground work, MNNIT may go in for funding from the Department of Science and Technology and the Union Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources.
It is worth mentioning that MNNIT had recently hosted a week-long national workshop on energy conservation which was attended by experts and senior industry executives.
"We have already included an elective paper on energy conservation and management in our BTech courses and once the proposed centre starts functioning, advanced courses and research could begin," he added.
Upbeat about the prospects of the proposal, Dr Prakash said that to start with MNNIT would endeavour to develop a prototype for energy conservation and use of non-conventional sources of energy.
