The ReNew Power Centre of Excellence for Energy and Environment is an initiative aimed at promoting research in the realm of clean energy, with support from IIT-Delhi and ReNew Power. The centre has research projects ranging from developing bi-directional charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, strategies for grid strengthening using Automatic Demand Response mechanisms to flexibility assessment and enhancement for strengthening the grid for large scale renewable integration. The broader objective is to foster exchange of ideas, promote research on latest technology and help develop renewable energy applications that are suited to the Indian context.

Faculty Coordinator, Prof. Nilanjan Senroy, Power Grid Chair Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Centre Coordinator Ms. Ashwini G. Mudgal, talk to Vanita Srivastava about the importance of renewable energy, various plans for the next few years and the areas of research.

When was the Centre inaugurated?

ReNew Power launched the Centre of Excellence for Energy & Environment in collaboration with IIT Delhi in Sept 2017.The CoE was inaugurated by Mr Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Government of India. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prof. V. Ramagopal Rao, Director of IIT Delhi, Sumant Sinha, Founding Chairman & CEO of ReNew Power, faculty members and students of IIT Delhi besides other dignitaries from academia, industry bodies, government and the corporate world.
Please refer to https://receee.renewpower.in/index.html for more information.

What are the plans mapped for the next few years?

TSome of the key steps we would like to take are :

• Foster technological advancement through partnerships with academic institutions locally and globally to support cutting edge research in renewable energy and its supporting fields such as storage, integration with grid, etc.
• Offer research and internship programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. students.
• Partner with the best Indian and International research centres, think tanks, universities and funding agencies.
• Conduct outreach programs with all stakeholders.
• Develop advocacy papers and research reports on renewable energy policy matters for the Government of India and multilateral organizations
• Contribute to social projects such as the women entrepreneurship accelerator program. One such program, ‘Impact Accelerator Programme for Women Climate Entrepreneurs’ is being carried out in partnership with UNDP.

Why is renewable energy important for a country like India?

India is a fast-growing economy and has seen rapid growth in industry and infrastructure. It naturally needs energy to support this economic development and has seen a consistent rise in energy demand. This growing energy demand has been primarily met through fossil fuels. However, India also understands the need to carry out development in a sustainable manner, in order to avoid further exacerbating the climate crisis. India thus sees a huge opportunity in utilizing renewable energy to meet its power demand. Through the ‘Intended Nationally Determined Commitments’ as part of the Paris Agreement, it has committed to 220 GW of renewable energy by 2030 which is 40% of its total electricity capacity.

What are the main areas of research?

The centre while promoting research in clean energy, aims to transform the renewable energy sector in India by providing solutions which will benefit the industry and sector at large. Our development facility fosters world class research in various areas. We also collaborate with leading universities across the globe to stimulate our research.

Research projects

• Grid Stability for large scale renewable integration
• Effect of AQI on Solar Generation
• Wind Farm Modeling
• Resource Variability Prediction

What is the Sustainability Leadership Dialogue and Award that you give annually?

In an effort to enhance awareness amongst the students, the centre has instituted an annual Sustainability Leadership Award for those who display exemplary work in the field of climate change, sustainability and environment. Last year it was awarded virtually to Dr Iyman Abrar from the Department of Chemical Engineering.