May 21, 2011
School of Engineering, Coimbatore
 

With India’s growing economy, its demand for electricity is skyrocketing. Currently, most of India’s electricity needs are supplied by coal and hydro-based energy.
 

Coal generates 53% of India’s electricity, but with major drawbacks. Burning coal produces greenhouse gases. In fact, coal accounts for over 50% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions.
 

This fact has not passed unnoticed. Although coal is the largest producer of electricity in the world, governments across the globe are seeking alternatives to the world’s dependence on coal. So is India.
 

Discovering how to convert natural energy from the ecosystem into clean and cost-effective electricity, is increasingly becoming a priority. As a possible alternative to coal, India is turning to wind power.
 

The Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) and Chennai’s Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), are key contributors in the wind energy movement.
 

These dedicated institutions are advancing wind technology through research and education to inform policy makers of its potential and to expand the wind energy sector as a whole.
 

Now Amrita will begin playing a major role in these efforts.
 

On May 12, 2011, Amrita signed an MoU with C-WET and IWTMA to promote the development of wind technology in our academic institution. The MoU will support a new Wind Enery Center in Amrita and fund two new wind energy postgraduate diploma (PGD) programs.
 

The MoU was signed into effect by Dr. S. Krishnamurthy, Registrar, Amrita Done Vishwa Vidyapeetham; Dr. S. Gomathynayagam, Executive Director, C-WET and Shri D. V. Giri, Chairman of IWTMA.

This August, Amrita Wind Energy Centre at the Coimbatore campus will commence its premier one-year, two-semester, PGD programs in Wind Power Development and Wind Resource Analysis.
 

IWTMA will issue monthly scholarships of Rs 5000 to eligible students provided they join the wind industry after completing the course.
 

Applications are currently being accepted. All candidates must submit their applications on or before June 15, 2011. For terms and conditions, please visit the admissions page.
 

“Wind energy provides an option to mitigate the impact of climate change and bring down emissions,” recently said Steve Sawyer, Secretary General, Global Wind Energy Council. “India is already an established force in the global wind energy markets, and yet it has the potential to achieve more.”
 

Now Amrita, in collaboration with C-WET and IWTMA, will begin working towards that goal, helping India attain energy independence that sustains life instead of destroying it.