  Centre fOR Excellence in Energy & Environment National Institute Of Technology , Hamirpur |
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I. THE CHALLENGE Energy is the key input for the socio- economic development and for improving the quality of human life in any country . The rapid industrialisation and development are resulting in ever increasing demand for energy for which the fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas have been over exploited world wide in an unsustainable manner. This has resulted in serious environmental concerns of Global Warming and Climate Change. Energy and Environment are essential for the sustainable development as the environmental degradation and lack of access to clean energy affects the pace of development .The unprecedented challenges to environment and the future security of energy supplies and the decisions taken now will affect our way of life for generations to come. The challenge now is, to meet the global energy needs and development aspirations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and responding to climatic change. The integration of climate change considerations into development priorities, innovative responses based on research, knowledge-sharing and urgent actions are all required to meet this challenge. Renewable Energy Sources offer key solutions to the current challenges facing the world’s energy future. The current use of renewable energy, however, is still limited in spite of its vast potential. Little attention is given to Education, Research, Development and technological innovations and in the field of Energy & Environment . However, with rising concerns for energy security & environment protection there is revival of interest to look for new and sustainable sources of energy. II. THE APPROACH In order to address these issues , a Centre for Excellence in Energy & Environment has been established at the National Institute of Technology , Hamirpur w.e.f June 2009 .The Centre will start M.Tech [ Energy Systems & Management] and Ph.D programme w.e.f 2010 and carry out R&D in priority areas of Energy & Environment for the benefit of society besides facilitating the exchange of ideas by involving key decision-makers and policy influencers in critical discussions and will provide expert advice and consultation to various agencies. The major task of the Centre is to develop comprehensive innovative solutions to various energy and environmental challenges . This involves promoting energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources like Solar ,Wind, Geothermal, Hydro, Biomass etc.to meet energy requirements and to consider various renewable energy policies at the local, regional, and national levels. The active involvement of stakeholders from the energy industry, academicians, society and other institutions, is essential to implement enduring policy solutions. Therefore, the Centre intends to consult the organisations and networks already engaged in the field of energy to complement and pool the resources, thus creating added value. III. OBJECTIVES 1. To promote access to energy for productive uses that mitigate climate change and are environmentally sustainable. 2. To produce highly trained technical manpower to meet the Global Climate & Energy Security challenges. 3. To undertake R&D and Policy research to achieve energy efficiency , security which supports sustainable development. 4. To facilitate long-term, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, enhance the capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and foster sustainable development through the use of Renewable Energy Sources . IV. Priority Research Areas : The thrust R&D areas for the Centre identified are as follows : 4.1 Energy
4.2 Environment
More areas will be identified in due course 4.3.Community Development, Programmes :
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