Bearing in mind the need for sustainable and renewable power resources, Amity Institute for Advanced Research and Studies (Materials & Devices) along with Amity Institute of Renewable and Alternative Energy are organizing an International Conference on ‘Efficient Solar Power Generation and Energy Harvesting’(ESPGEH) (An Industry – Academia Meet) from 12 to 14 February,2019 at Amity University, Noida.
The Conference aims to provide an excellent platform to discuss the major goals such as increasing the efficiency of conversion and reduce the cost. This could be done by investigating the new materials, new processing techniques specially required for roof top and mega-plants. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss the application for solar energy in other sectors like agriculture, communication, transport, environment and many others.
In this conference, more than 60 invited lectures, 20 oral and 70 posters would be presented from top Institutes of India and abroad. A Special Session on “Industry-Academia Meet - Panel Discussion” will also be organized on 13th February,2019 in which more than 20 Industrialists/ Representatives from Solar Industries will participate along with Academicians and members from the Ministries.
During the three-day conference, several technical sessions will be held to discuss on topical issues such as Increasing efficiency in Flexible organic solar cells and modules, Challenges and progresses of Energy Storage in form of latent heat of paraffin wax, Recycling pathways for solar panels after their end of life, Transition to Solar dominant energy mix for India amongst others.
In his welcome address, Dr. V.K Jain, Chairman, ESPGEH, talked about Amity being an innovation-driven institution and how it has consistently done well in the field of research and innovation. He exclaimed that the need of the hour is to have clean energy to combat climate changes, pollution and other factors that are deteriorating the environment. According to him, Solar Energy could serve as a major tool in the clean generation of energy. He also discussed about the new innovations like the quick water heating system and LPG sensors which he and his team has developed over the years.
Dr. Sanjay Bajpai, Head of Solar Mission, Department of Science and Technology (DST), said this was an important event as it aims to bring the industry and the institution together. According to him, this is the best time to pursue clean energy research and innovation because of the need for sustainable development. Research and development are going to be very important tools to accelerate clean energy innovations. We need innovations which not only generate electricity but also meet energy requirements in all aspects. We need to harness energy in all forms and research is being made to directly convert solar energy into fuel. Research should be guided by need of the industry and the industry should utilize solar energy to mitigate climate change. Addressing the challenges of scarcity of energy resources, he averred that Electrical Mobility and Artificial Intelligence could become viable solutions for energy crisis in India.
Dr. Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group, expressed that it was going to be a historical event because of the presence of such veterans in the field of Science and Technology. He firmly asserted that India has the competence to lead the world in the field of Solar Energy. He opined that where there is ‘synergy of brains’, there is always a scope for improvement and innovation. He also shared his success mantra with the students – “Success by Compulsion”. According to him, innovation and creativity are the two key factors that can help India to prosper in the field of Solar energy.
Chief Guest on the occasion, Professor K.L Chopra, Former Director, IIT Kharagpur, shared with the audience his experiences, when science and technology were in its initial phase in India. He apprised that during the last quarter of the 20th century, there were major developments made in the domain of science and technology. Discussing about the innovations, he said that thin film solar cells could be possible alternative for the non- renewable sources of energy. He encouraged the students by saying, “It is not the instrument but your own talent and skill which would lead India in the field of science.” He opined that basic courses on thin film technology should be taught in universities.
An Abstract Book was released on Efficient Solar Power Generation and Energy Harvesting at the event. An exhibition is also being displayed at the venue showcasing the recent innovations made by the ESPGEH team. Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President, Amity Science Technology and innovation foundation and Dr. Vikram Kumar, General Chairman, ESPGEH were also present on the occasion.