Chennai: The 2-day Energy Summit-2022, organised by the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) Energy Consortium to power the global transformation to a low-carbon future, began here on Thursday.
Over 400 industry leaders, faculty, researchers, and students from academia, besides policymakers and Government officials are taking part in this summit being held at the IIT-M Research Park.
During the summit an ‘Australia-India Centre for Energy’ (AICE), spearheaded by IIT-Madras jointly with other Indian and Australian premier institutions, was also launched.
It will work towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” and also specifically in strategic areas such as critical minerals, clean technology, education and innovation.
Addressing the inaugural session, Ms.Sarah Kirlew, Australian Consul General for South India highlighted the importance of collaborations between India and Australia and said “the bilateral relationship between Australia and India is at an all-time high.”
“As part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, our governments and leaders are working together to ensure a clean and sustainable environment for future generations”, she said, adding, the Australian Parliament recently passed the Climate Change Act which demonstrated Australia’s commitment to a stable investment environment for renewable energy and zero emissions technology investment.”
Sarah Kirlew said “Australia is now one of the 22 countries to enshrine our emissions reductions targets into law. Australia’s increased target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030″.
She said “the Australia-India Centre for Energy inaugurated today will play a pivotal role in the transition efforts made by India and Australia, supporting the two nations with cutting edge research and capacity building outputs as we increase the use of new and renewable energy technologies.”
“I am so delighted that IIT Madras will be spearheading the Centre from the Indian side in its formative years with Deakin representing Australia. IIT-M has been one of the strongest educational partners for Australian Universities with over 19 MoUs including joint PhD programs”, she pointed out.
