What is the Energy Consortium Centre of Excellence at IITM?

The Energy Consortium at IIT Madras is a platform for collaboration that brings together academics, business professionals, and researchers to discuss the problems that plague the energy sector. Established with the goal of increasing energy research, technology development, and policy advocacy, it plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and creating sustainable energy solutions.

The consortium acts as a centre for interdisciplinary research, promoting cooperation amongst several IIT Madras departments and centres to address the many facets of energy conservation. Research on energy technology such as smart grids, sustainable mobility, renewable energy, energy storage, and energy economics is one of the main goals of the Energy Consortium. Its collaborative structure allows for the sharing of information and resources, which fuels the development of ground-breaking innovations in the energy industry.

The Energy Consortium actively interacts with industrial partners, decision-makers, and governmental organisations in addition to doing research. It aims to close the gap between academics and industry through cooperative initiatives and collaborations, encouraging technology transfer and the commercialization of energy technologies.

The consortium hosts conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote information sharing and the dissemination of research results. Such forums encourage discussion, ignite creativity, and establish partnerships that can influence how the energy sector develops in the future. It provides students with the specialised instruction, training opportunities, and internships they need to meet the demands of the energy industry.

Additionally, apart from making a significant contribution to sustainable practices and societal advancements, it supports programmes for rural electrification, energy access, and energy justice. The consortium works to improve society and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals through interacting with regional communities and stakeholders.