NEWS
ENERGISE: UK-India Sustainable Innovation Collaboration
An ambitious initiative to foster Clean Energy Research and Innovation through a Student Exchange program between the UK and India. Designed to bridge geographical gaps and cultivate collaborative efforts, ENERGISE aims to unite students from both nations to explore, innovate, and contribute to the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
Pre-screening Workshop and Kick-off meeting
On June 27, 2024, Dr Hasan Baig from the University of East London hosted a project kick-off meeting and pre-screening workshop at the Royal Docks Center for Sustainability, where over 50 students from the UK and India participated in the event.
Prof K. Srinivas Reddy from IIT Madras, who was able to attend in person, opened the session giving highlights about the research facilities at IIT Madras and the range of projects he has been engaged with over the last few years. Dr Hasan explained the overall program and the role of the project to foster research collaboration between all the institutions in building research capacities. He also informed the international participants about the excellent facilities at the London Renewable Energy Lab and how we could use them together to benefit research outcomes.
This UK-India partnership will not only promote academic and research exchange but also promotes cross-cultural understanding in the pursuit for achieving net-zero. As the program proceeds it is expected to yield significant contributions to sustainable technology development, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications. This collaboration exemplifies the growing trend of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges, with young researchers at the forefront of driving positive change for a more sustainable future.
Dr Ravi Kumar talked about the research facilities at IIT Delhi and his experience on working with energy-efficient solar power systems, thermal energy generation, and storage. He also highlighted the top credentials of the IIT’s in India and the global universities.
This was followed by a series of presentations from the students from both UK and India.
UK Student Research Highlights
UK students presented a series of groundbreaking advancements in solar technology and energy storage. Among the innovative projects showcased were solar blinds, advanced energy storage batteries, life cycle assessment (LCA) of solar technologies, Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), and solar technology applications in electric vehicles (EVs). These innovations underscore the transformative potential of solar technology and energy storage in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. The solar blinds, for instance, not only reduce energy costs but also enhance indoor comfort by converting sunlight into electricity and integrating with smart home systems. This dual benefit of shading and energy generation represents a significant leap towards sustainable living environments.
The research on energy storage batteries presented at the conference focuses on extending battery lifespan and optimizing performance through advanced modelling techniques. These advancements are crucial for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy systems, making them more viable for widespread adoption. Additionally, the life cycle assessments of solar PV technologies aim to identify the most environmentally preferable options and highlight impact hotspots. This research is essential for guiding sustainable practices in the solar industry, ensuring that adopting solar technologies contributes positively to environmental goals. By understanding the full environmental impact of solar technologies, stakeholders can make more informed decisions about their energy solutions.
Meanwhile, the application of solar technology in electric vehicles aims to revolutionize transportation. By incorporating efficient, cost-effective perovskite panels, researchers are working on extending the range of EVs and promoting eco-friendly travel. This technology not only reduces reliance on traditional charging methods but also enhances the overall sustainability of electric vehicles, making them a more attractive option for consumers.
Indian Student Research Highlights
Following the presentations by their UK counterparts, Indian students took the stage at the UK-India workshop highlight their innovative work in sustainable technologies. The research showcased by the Indian students included advancements in solar-assisted membrane distillation for seawater purification, green hydrogen production, thermal management of fuel cells for electric vehicles (EVs), supercritical carbon dioxide cycles for cleaner power production, and forecasting solar energy potential for efficient design of latent heat storage systems.
The presentations by the Indian students highlighted significant progress in sustainable technologies, showcasing the potential of these innovations to address global energy challenges. Their research underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering advancements that drive energy efficiency and sustainability.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as solar-assisted distillation, green hydrogen production, and supercritical carbon dioxide cycles, these projects not only contribute to cleaner energy solutions but also pave the way for more sustainable industrial practices.
Interactive Q&A Session and Travel discussion
Following the insightful presentations, the students from the UK and India engaged in lively interactions, sharing ideas and discussing potential collaborations. This exchange of knowledge and enthusiasm led to the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group, fostering dialogue and cooperation among the young researchers. To foster deeper collaboration, students will be paired based on their research interests, allowing them to work closely on shared projects. This pairing system is designed to enhance knowledge exchange and promote innovative solutions in sustainable technologies. Additionally, a new webpage was launched (www.energiseproject.com) to showcase their collective work, provide updates on their projects, and serve as a platform for future initiatives.
Dr Paola Falugi from UEL reached out to our Indian partners to know more about the research facilities and how they can access it for future research activities. Building on this momentum, a joint UK-India trip is planned for August, aiming to further strengthen the partnership through hands-on workshops, site visits, and cultural exchanges. This trip promises to deepen the bonds between the students and enhance their collaborative efforts in driving sustainable technology innovations.