In line with our Chancellor’s vision for a sustainable and climate-resilient campus, Amrita University is committed to divesting from carbon-intensive energy industries, particularly coal and oil. This bold step underscores our dedication to reducing energy consumption, minimizing our carbon footprint, and driving the transition to clean, renewable energy.
“In alignment with our sustainable campus policy, 0% of funding in 2023 was sourced from carbon-intensive energy industries.”
A comprehensive policy for Disinvestment for Carbon Intensive Energy Industries was integrated in the Sustainable Campus Policy Pack in 2023 in lines with which 0% of funding was sourced from carbon-intensive energy industries. This signifies the university’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and its role in addressing climate change.
By divesting from fossil fuel industries, the university aims to redirect its investments towards renewable energy sources and other sustainable initiatives. This policy aligns with the university’s broader vision of fostering a sustainable future and inspiring positive change. The university’s divestment policy outlines a clear roadmap for phasing out existing investments in coal and oil industries within a specified timeframe. Funds generated from this divestment will be strategically reinvested in renewable energy projects, energy-efficient technologies, and other sustainable development initiatives. This approach not only reduces the university’s carbon footprint but also promotes innovative solutions to address climate challenges.
Comprehensive policy packs supporting this initiative are available here:
Sustainable Campus Policy Pack
Amrita University led the global working group for C20 India 2023 on Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets by inspiring over 7,000 NGOs to prioritize divestment from carbon-intensive energy sources and adopt sustainable energy practices. submitted special policy recommendations to G20 for climate finance to reduce their financial risk from disinvestment from carbon intensive energy industries. This transformative effort aligns with the university’s vision of fostering environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
The Highlights from the Policy Pack are as follows –
Leveraging research for carbon-intensive energy industries for being climate-positive
As of 2023, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has made significant progress in its mission to provide sustainable energy solutions to rural India. With 40 active projects across 13 villages, the university continues to lead the way in rural electrification using smart grids and renewable energy technologies, improving the lives of communities in remote areas.
Amrita’s AmritaSphuranam project, inspired by Amrita’s Chancellor, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), continues to shine as a model for rural electrification. Initially focused on microgrid prototypes to address issues such as power theft and faulty billing, the project has now successfully implemented multiple smart grid systems. These systems are providing reliable, renewable energy to villages, with a particular focus on integrating solar power.
The landmark solar microgrid project in Mothakara village, Wayanad, Kerala, has been a model for the region. Since its inception in 2014, the solar-powered microgrid has electrified the village of 260 people, paving the way for socio-economic development. In 2023, Amrita is continuing to empower the local community by providing training to manage and maintain the grid, which can now be monitored remotely from the Amritapuri campus.
In Komalakudi, another tribal village in Kerala, Amrita’s micro-hydro generator has been fully operational for over two years, providing 24/7 electricity to eight homes, streetlights, and vital community centers like the multi-grade learning center, anganwadi (pre-school), and youth center. This access to reliable electricity has allowed over 50 students to pursue their studies without interruption.
The success of these initiatives has led to further expansion in Munnar, where a new micro-hydro plant has been installed, providing power to 60 homes, streetlights, and a learning center. The addition of solar rooftop systems ensures that electricity is available even when the hydro generator is offline.
In 2023, the university has been actively implementing water distribution systems in states including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra, further improving the quality of life for rural communities.
Through these ongoing projects, Amrita is not only making strides in rural electrification but also fostering sustainable development in India’s most underserved regions, providing both energy and essential services that enable long-term growth and resilience.
Amrita University has developed a groundbreaking, patent-winning solar electric car, showcasing an innovative fusion of solar energy and electric mobility. The car is equipped with 500W solar panels that generate enough energy to provide a daily range of 25-30 km, allowing it to run on renewable energy for over 7,500 km annually.
In addition to the solar power, the car features a 14 kWh/30 kWh battery pack that offers a driving range of 250-400 km on a single charge, with an average cruising speed of 50 km/h. The batteries can be fully charged in just 5 to 6 hours using a standard household wall socket charger. The car has a top speed of 100 km/h and comfortably accommodates up to four passengers, including the driver.
The car is powered by a 10 kW electric motor, with a peak power output of 15 kW, offering efficient and eco-friendly performance. The project involved retrofitting a Maruti car with a new motor, motor controller, batteries, battery management system (BMS), and solar panels, making this solar electric vehicle both cost-effective and accessible.
In 2023, Amrita University developed and launched its innovative Hybrid Charging Station (HCS), integrating sustainable energy sources with electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to meet the energy needs of EVs in both urban and rural areas. This project aligns with Amrita’s commitment to environmental sustainability and clean energy in transportation.
The HCS primarily utilizes solar energy, with additional renewable sources to ensure a reliable power supply. Key components include solar panels, a wind turbine, four DC/DC converters, an energy storage system, and a fuel cell with a boost converter, all supporting a DC load of 40 kW.
A standout feature of the HCS is the use of machine learning weather prediction models, such as Neural Prophet, to forecast variations in renewable energy generation based on weather conditions. This technology optimizes energy distribution, predicting temperature and wind speed to adjust power generation and minimize reliance on non-renewable sources, improving system efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Amrita’s Hybrid Charging Station serves as a model for future EV infrastructure, showcasing how renewable energy and advanced technologies can support sustainable transportation and reduce the carbon footprint.
The Civil 20 India working group on Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets held extensive policy dialogues and consultations with 4000+ CSO’s to develop policy recommendations to be submitted to G20 on Net Zero Emission Management and Climate Finance for Inclusive and Effective Climate Action.
| Event Name | Date |
| C20 Dialogues – Technology Integration, Finance and Adoption Strategies for Addressing Net Zero Emissions Management | 08/02/2023 |
| Online Webinar – Net Zero Emission Targets – Energy Storage Systems in Battery Electric Vehicles | 25/02/2023 |
| International Symposium on R&D of Autonomous Mobility and Electric Vehicle Technology | 10/03/2023, 11/03/2023 |
| C20 Policy Dialogues – Transitioning to Renewable Electricity and Renewable-Integrated Grids | 17/03/2023 |
| C20 Policy Dialogues – Decarbonising Infrastructure towards Net Zero Emissions | 23/03/2023 |
| Decoding Results Based Climate Finance (RBCF): Strategies for Success | 07/04/2023 |
| Financing a Just Energy Transition Through Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform | 20/06/2023 |
| 350.org, USA |
| ActionAid Bangladesh, Bangladesh |
| ActionAid International, UK |
| Alternative Futures, India |
| Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), India |
| ASEAN Youth Organization, Southeast Asia (Pan-ASEAN) |
| Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Australia |
| BHRRC (Business & Human Rights Resource Centre), UK |
| CAN South Asia, South Asia |
| CarbonCare InnoLab, Hong Kong (China) |
| Centre for Development Communication, India |
| Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD), India |
| Climate Action Network, Belgium |
| Climatehood Foundation, India |
| Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA), Australia |
| Energy Swaraj Foundation, India |
| Environmental Justice Team SAMBURU, Kenya |
| Greenpeace International, Netherlands |
| Greenpeace Japan, Japan |
| Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti (GRAVIS), India |
| Global Green Environmental Network, Global |
| Global Climate Change Foundation, Global |
| India Water Foundation, India |
| Institute of Water and Flood Management, Bangladesh |
| Integrated Research and Action for Development, India |
| International Institute of Environment Japan, Japan |
| Oxfam, UK |
| Paryavaran Pratham, Nagpur, India |
| PLANT FOR THE PLANET, Germany |
| Resilient Projects, India |
| Sustainable Development Council, Global |
| Tearfund, UK |
| TERRE Policy Centre, India |
| The Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA), Australia |
| WWF Australia, Australia |
| World Wildlife Fund (WWF), USA |
Amrita University’s Prof. Maneesha V Ramesh, UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, and Prof. Bhavani Rao, UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, were guest speakers during COP28, the UN’s annual climate conference in Dubai, UAE. This is a testament to Amrita’s commitment to including divestment from fossil fuels and advancing sustainable, inclusive solutions to climate change.
