CSIR-CMERI and NISE Form Partnership to Bolster Solar Sector

CSIR-CMERI and NISE have formed ‘Strategic Association’ to bolster the Solar Energy sector across the nation

CSIR-CMERI (Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute), Durgapur and National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram joined hands by signing an online Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a ‘Strategic Association’ to bolster the Solar Energy sector across the nation on September 7, 2020.

The MoU was signed by Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur and Dr. Arun Kumar Tripathy, Director-General, NISE.

After the astounding success and recognition the institute has received for commissioning of the world’s largest solar tree of 11.5 kWp, CSIR-CMERI intends to further its efforts towards strengthening the renewable energy commitments. It has expertise in the design and development of various capacity solar artifacts for multifaceted uses ranging from fulfilling localised energy demand to boosting agricultural sector for irrigation, solar-powered agro dryer, de-centralised solar cold storage, charging of battery-operated agricultural machinery, etc.

It’s expertise in the domain of solar converter and conditioning unit and isolated mini-grid will also aid this collaboration. The institute is currently working on the development of a solar energy-based cooking system which will help in creating energy reliant and carbon-neutral India in addition to the upliftment of the livelihood of the rural sector in India.

Prof. Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, stated that this joint venture is significant to cater to the need of ‘National Integrity’ for the achievement of common goals and objectives related to R&D, Implementation, Consultancy Services and Promotion of Solar PV System, Micro Grid Initiatives, Energy Storage Systems, Power Converter and Conditioning Systems, Solar Thermal Energy System, Solar Cooking and Electric Vehicles, etc.

“This will be a step towards comprehensive electrification of India. This would also lead to the optimum sharing of resources as well as public funds. The MoU is signed with an aim to improve resource sharing and coordination between the NISE and CSIR-CMERI for effective utilisation of the national resources eliminating the duplicity of further capital investment for the same resource.”

The MoU is intended to achieve the following objectives:

• Conduct joint field studies for different solar technologies.
• Skill development of stakeholders including developing content. These programs would include grid-connected solar rooftop systems, solar power plants (including their O&M), decentralized solar energy systems, entrepreneurship development, and techno-financial appraisal of renewable energy projects.
• Carry out policy and regulatory studies dealing with grid integration, recycling and disposal of solar panels, batteries, etc.
• To collaborate with international level research institutions for undertaking research work in India.
• Jointly work towards enhancing and expending the capacity, capability, facility and infrastructure through resource mobilisation and aligning the capacity building.

The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous centre of excellence of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, is engaged in Solar PV/Thermal R&D, Testing, Demonstration Projects, Skill Development, Consultancy, Innovation and Incubation, etc. The Institute is equipped with advanced equipment to carry out testing and certification of different Solar PV/Thermal gadgets.

Dr. Tripathi, DG, NISE said that the MoU is going to benefit both the institutions working on the overall promotion of solar energy in the country. He reiterated that the MoU will pave the way for the exchange of knowledge, capacity building and joint research project in the field of Solar Energy. He appreciated and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with CSIR-CMERI especially after the quantum leaps made by the Institute in the field of solar energy.