IISER Bhopal to build Rs 550 crore solar research center in Bhauri

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved 21.494 hectares of land in Bhauri, Bhopal, for the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) to establish a Solar and Renewable Energy Research Center. The project aims to boost research in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, enhancing solar cell efficiency and reducing energy losses.

A 53.75-acre plot of land that the state government is providing for free will serve as the site for the research center. The total investment is estimated at Rs 550 crore, funded by major public sector companies' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions like GAIL India, Coal India, and Indian Oil. Construction will take two years, making this the first solar energy research center of its kind in the state.

The facility will involve multiple IISER departments: Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence. An MTech program in Renewable Energy will be introduced to equip students with advanced knowledge in sustainable energy technologies.

The cabinet has expanded the manufacturing area for electrical and renewable energy equipment in the Mohasa-Babai industrial area of Narmadapuram district. The area has increased by 214.42 acres, bringing the total to 441.96 acres. This move aims to boost renewable energy equipment production, supporting the state's green energy initiatives.

The central government has set specific research targets for the new IISER Bhopal center, including improving efficiency, making green hydrogen production affordable, developing technologies to reduce energy distribution losses, cutting carbon emissions, and increasing wind energy production cost-effectiveness.

IISER’s acting registrar, Gaurav Awasthi, highlighted that the center will focus on advanced research in solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen energy, aligning with the broader goals of promoting renewable energy solutions.

The state government announced the sixth Regional Investment Conclave on December 7 in Narmadapuram. The event aims to attract investments in renewable energy and promote the state as a hub for green technology manufacturing.

Madhya Pradesh currently generates 7,000 megawatts of solar power. The state government plans to increase this capacity by an additional 8,000 megawatts, establishing the state as a leader in renewable energy production.

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

Watch: Kashmir experiences first snowfall of season after dry spell

Amarnath Yatra: Tackling rising death toll from extreme weather events

Tourists arrival in Kashmir break records, a need to regulate it?

From tourist paradise to waste wasteland: Sindh River Cry for help

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel for video stories.