ENERGY CONSORTIUM
Accelerating Net Zero
CARBONLITE CHRONICLES:
QUARTERLY UPDATE
FROM THE ENERGY CONSORTIUM
JANUARY 2025
LOOKING AHEAD: REFLECTIONS AND ASPIRATIONS
A Message From The CEO
Dear Energy Enthusiasts,
The past quarter witnessed various global engagements for The Energy Consortium-affiliated faculty and researchers. We hosted a Danish industry delegation on campus, and they visited a number of our labs, and facilities and met with faculty members. We also hosted E.ON leadership from Germany and California for discussions on collaborative engagement avenues.
The flagship annual energy summit of The Energy Consortium was hosted by Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia from Nov 26-29. This marked the first instance, since its inception, that the energy summit was hosted outside Chennai and it captured its essence like always and with the intensity levels that have come to be expected from the summit that brings a global congregation of researchers, academics, industry experts, businesses, government agencies and the civil society on a common platform. We had 6 keynotes and 51 invited talks spread over 15 sessions on the two days and had a total of 9 faculty members and 11 students and researchers from IIT Madras who represented their research work through talks and posters at the summit. The Energy Consortium also had two of its industry founding members, Infosys and Shell, participating and we also had two of our governing board members with us through the week. With 24 total participants, this is one of the largest contingents that travelled for an overseas representation from IIT Madras.
The pre and post-summit visits to some key Deakin facilities – Renewable Energy Microgrid, ManuFutures, Carbon Nexus, and the Battery Research and Innovation Hub were brilliant additions to enable organic collaborative dialogue between the Microgrids and Energy Storage Centers of Excellence, both of which were heavily represented in the summit. The summit again highlighted the number of energy transition themes that are consistent between Australia and India and therefore continue to foster multiple opportunities to build collaborative bridges. The discourse amply highlighted the need for converging on common larger focus areas to work jointly such as sustainable energy and circular economy. The Australia India Center for Energy is undoubtedly the enabling engine!
Our national-level engagements continued with the 2nd workshop on ESG conducted in Mumbai, in close partnership with SEBI, and the Summit on Sustainability that we co-organized to bring together cross-disciplinary audience from energy, water, air and waste management to address SDGs holistically. The intent is to become the catalyst for a sustained dialogue and innovation for a greener future by bringing multiple stakeholders together.
Warm regards,
Nikhil S Tambe,
CEO – The Energy Consortium, IIT Madras
POWERING CONVERSATIONS
Danish Delegation Visit To IIT Madras Strengthens Indo-Danish Wind Energy Collaboration
The Energy Consortium-IIT Madras hosted a Danish delegation as part of the INNOWIND project, led by Energy Cluster Denmark. The visit aimed to explore India’s immense potential in offshore and onshore wind energy, as well as potential investment and partnership opportunities.
The delegation toured the cutting-edge facilities at IIT Madras, including the Centre of Excellence for Wind and the vibrant innovation ecosystem at the Research Park. Their engagement included two thought-provoking roundtable discussions on wind energy, which allowed for an in-depth exploration of India’s capabilities and opportunities in this sector.
This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening Indo-Danish collaboration in the field of renewable energy and contributes to the advancement of sustainable solutions for the future.
IIT Madras and E.ON Join Forces to Accelerate Energy Transition
A high-level delegation from E.ON, a global energy leader, visited IIT Madras to explore innovative opportunities in energy transition, climate technology, and sustainable solutions. During their two-day visit, E.ON leaders engaged with faculty and researchers to discuss cutting-edge research in areas such as carbon capture, flow batteries, and future electric grids.
During their visit, the E.ON delegation engaged in impactful discussions with members of The Energy Consortium-IIT Madras and the School of Sustainability at IIT Madras. They toured the institute’s state-of-the-art laboratories, which showcase cutting-edge research, and visited key technology demonstrators at the IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP). These interactions led to stimulating dialogues on critical topics such as carbon capture, flow batteries, and the future of electric grids.
This collaborative exchange represents a significant step forward in advancing sustainable energy innovation.
ENERGY BRIEFS
TREND Setter 2023 Spotlight
A key objective of The Energy Consortium-IIT Madras is to emphasize exploratory and collaborative research. One initiative, known as the TREND Setter program, aims to pinpoint the long-term research priorities of the industry and enhance The Energy Consortium’s capacity to address them. Eight faculty members were selected for the inaugural cohort. In this context, we delve into the minds of these researchers, exploring their groundbreaking ideas and their potential to reshape the energy landscape.
Topic – Low to Zero Cobalt Nickelate Cathodes for Modern Lithium-Ion Battery Applications
Authors – Dr. Nitin Muralidharan
Lithium-ion batteries remain the dominant technology in electric vehicles. One of the main goals of the research was to develop new cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, specifically cobalt-free or low-cobalt, and nickel-rich formulations.
Topic – Green Sustainability and Environmental Quality: CO2 Footprint Modelling at Firm Levels
Author – Prof. Santosh Kumar Sahu
My project aimed to contribute to understanding industrial energy consumption, particularly focusing on CO2 emissions that were computed using a bottom-up approach. This allowed us to determine how much emission a specific firm generated during production and link those findings to emission standards.
Topic – Renewable Ammonia Fuel for Circular Energy Economy – A Carbon-Free Approach
Author – Prof. Kothandaraman Ramanujam
The project focuses on synthesizing ammonia through an electrochemical method using nitrogen, which is abundant in the environment. With the increasing focus on green hydrogen, ammonia, and green ammonia in the context of the energy transition, our work is highly relevant.
WORKSHOP & SYMPOSIA
Industry Dialogue on ESG: Reporting Challenges and the Path Forward
The Industry Dialogue on ESG: Reporting Challenges and the Path Forward held in Mumbai on 18th October 2024, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss evolving ESG trends and solutions. Organized by The Energy Consortium – IIT Madras, School of Sustainability – IIT Madras, and Pollution Control India, the event offered key insights into ESG reporting challenges and opportunities.
Keynote speaker Ms. Yogita Jadhav (SEBI) highlighted the regulator’s role in advancing ESG progress, while Mr. Ajay Patil (Cummins Inc.) shared actionable insights on embedding sustainability into business operations. Prof. Satyanarayanan Seshadri provided insights into decarbonization strategies, complemented by a dynamic panel discussion on “Decarbonization in Action,” moderated by Prof. Santosh Kumar Sahu. Interactive sessions led by Dr. Anuradda Ganesh and Dr. Rahul Muralidharan allowed participants to explore challenges and next practices, with insights contributing to ongoing research by IIT Madras for SEBI.
As the ESG landscape evolves, the insights gained from this dialogue will be instrumental in shaping future strategies, fostering collaboration across industries, and driving the adoption of innovative solutions for sustainable development and responsible reporting practices.
Summit on Sustainability: Paving the Path for Collaborative Change
The Energy Consortium – IIT Madras, in collaboration with Pollution Control India, co-organized the Summit on Sustainability held in Mumbai on 18th November 2024. This pivotal event brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and sustainability advocates united in the mission for a day dedicated to fostering collaboration, igniting conversations, and driving meaningful change.
The Summit featured a range of engaging discussions, impactful presentations, and thought-provoking panels, creating a dynamic atmosphere rich in collaboration and innovation. The team from IIT Madras shared their insights and expertise on sustainable solutions that resonate with global objectives.
Participants enjoyed networking opportunities and gained actionable insights, exemplifying the powerful impact of combined efforts in driving meaningful change. The energy in the room was positive as there were collaborative conversations, sowing the seeds for future partnerships aimed at fostering a greener planet.
Energy Summit 2024: Fostering Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The Energy Summit 2024 proved to be an extraordinary gathering, successfully setting the stage for meaningful dialogue on the future of sustainable energy. Hosted by Deakin University and co-hosted by The Energy Consortium – IIT Madras from November 26th to 29th in Melbourne, Australia, this Summit attracted global energy leaders, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to exploring the latest advancements and challenges in the energy sector.
The event provided a platform for fruitful discussions, highlighting the potential for collaboration between Australia and India in addressing shared energy transition challenges. As the Australia India Center for Energy continues to grow, it will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and. driving collaborative initiatives in the energy sector.
We eagerly anticipate hosting the 2025 Energy Summit in Chennai, where we will further strengthen our partnership and work towards a more sustainable future. Let’s harness our collective expertise to redefine the possibilities of energy innovation.
EDUCATION
Joint Masters in Sustainable Energy Systems Offered by IIT Madras & University of Birmingham
The Joint Masters Program in Sustainable Energy Systems, offered by IIT Madras and the University of Birmingham, is an 18-month academic journey starting at IIT Madras in Chennai and continuing at the University of Birmingham. The program provides invaluable international exposure, featuring opportunities for industrial placements and a year-long research project co-guided by expert faculty from both institutions.
After completing the second semester, students can tailor their experience by choosing between two tracks, allowing further specialization.
The course details are available at https://lnkd.in/g3c_E6PC
This unique program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in sustainable energy, making a meaningful impact on our planet’s future.
Summer Internship Program Commences at The Energy Consortium - IIT Madras
The 2024 Summer Internship Program at The Energy Consortium, IIT Madras, has commenced with enthusiastic participation from students across various academic disciplines. Running from May 22nd to July 21st, the program offers participants the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge energy research through goal-oriented mini-projects supervised by industry experts. Focused on advancing knowledge in energy generation, storage, and distribution, the internship aims to cultivate practical skills and foster innovation among talented young minds.
We anticipate that this program will serve as a launching pad for future breakthroughs in the energy sector. Stay tuned for updates on the program’s progress and achievements in upcoming newsletters.
NEWS
Prof. Niket Kaisare Takes Over As Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at IIT Madras
Prof. Niket Kaisare has taken over as the new Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras. As he embarks on this journey, Prof. Niket Kaisare is eager to collaborate with the talented research scholars, outstanding students, dedicated staff, and exceptional faculty that make up the Department. His vision focuses on building upon the strong foundation already in place, driving innovation, striving for excellence, and fostering a supportive environment for everyone involved.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Niket Kaisare as he leads the Department into a promising future. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the Chemical Engineering Department under his leadership!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aramco Joins The Energy Consortium at IIT Madras as Eleventh Industry Member
The Energy Consortium-IIT Madras is pleased to announce the onboarding of Aramco as its eleventh industry member.
Aramco, a leading integrated energy and chemicals company, plays a crucial role in the hydrocarbon value chain, delivering significant societal and economic benefits worldwide. Its commitment to leading the energy transition is reflected in its focus on sustainability and the provision of reliable, affordable, and more sustainable energy solutions.
Mr. Daniel De Castro, Head of Technology, Outlook and Strategy at Aramco, joins The Energy Consortium-IIT Madras as an Industry Advisory Board member. His expertise and strategic insight will be invaluable as The Energy Consortium-IIT Madras drives collaborative initiatives and technological advancements in the energy sector.
The Energy Consortium’s industry members include leading global energy companies focused on various sectors such as oil and gas, power and utilities, construction, transportation, and digital enterprise.
With a mission to leverage technology solutions developed in India for worldwide impact, The Energy Consortium remains dedicated to reshaping the future of energy through strategic collaborations and cutting-edge research.
Embark with us on the path to a sustainable energy future!
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