An International Workshop on Nanotechnology in Solar and Energy Storage Applications was organized by the Amrita Center for Nanosciences in Kochi on February 24, 2012.
The inaugural ceremony warmly welcomed participants from all over the world.
Dr. P. C. Pant, Senior Director, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Dr. G. Sundararajan, Director, International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials, Hyderabad were present on the occasion.
Urging students to contribute their talents for addressing the energy deficiency in the country, Dr. Pant said, “You should develop an understanding of both the scientific and management aspects of renewable energy. That is ultimately what is required if we want growth in this sector.”
“A certain renewable energy plan may not succeed in a particular geographical location. One has to assess resources properly and then make plans to suit the particular location,” he added.
Dr. G. Sundararajan spoke about the National Solar Mission of the Government of India.
“We have major program for solar energy in the country but we are behind schedule in implementation if we compare with other countries. I am hopeful that in the next three years, if we put a lot of effort and if the government provides support, then we will be able to deliver products to the common man.”
Applauding Amrita’s work in developing a nano-based storage device, he said, “Solar energy can provide off-grid power but the storage part has to also be taken care of. More groups in the country should come forward to work in this area.”
Post the inaugural sessions, top scientists including Dr. A. K. Shukla, Chairman, IISc (Bangalore); Dr. Kalyanasundaram, EPFL (Switzerland); Dr. Juzer Vasi, IIT Bombay and Dr. Suresh Das, NIIST (Trivandrum) delivered distinguished lectures.
During the inaugural session it was mentioned that the interface between nanotechnology and solar technologies held a lot of promise. Many of the photovoltaic devices were nano structured as were solar selective coatings. The speakers elaborated on various aspects of these.
“It’s a great thing for us that so many have come together for a workshop like this. We are a very young center and have to learn from everyone,” Dr. Shantikumar Nair remarked.
Participants provided enthusiastic feedback.
“The workshop was very well organized by Amrita. The students impressed me the most; they asked such good questions to all speakers. The lectures were all stimulating,” stated Prof. Swati Ray, Energy Research Unit, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, who attended.
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