On 28 December 2023, Shri R K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, laid the foundation stone for the new Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER) building at IISc. The centre is supported by Power Finance Corporation (PFC) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. This marks a crucial step towards shaping the future of energy research and sustainable technologies.
ICER’s research initiatives focus on a spectrum of renewable energy domains, including net zero technology development for green hydrogen, sCo2, power, turbine, and clean coal technology, as well as pioneering research and development activities on green energy technologies such as generation of hydrogen and other biofuels from biomass, advanced batteries and energy storage systems & sustainable technologies.
PFC has sanctioned Rs 60.74 crores for construction of the new building, which is scheduled to be completed by March 2026.
Speaking about the event, Shri R K Singh, Union Minister, said, “I am delighted to be at this esteemed institution with a rich history, contributing to its legacy. India has transformed into a global leader in renewable energy, achieving our 2030 target nine years ahead. With 43% of the total installed capacity being non-fossil, we’re leading in solar, wind, and hydro. Our growth surpasses developed nations, making us a major player. The power sector has revolutionised, ensuring universal access and a significant increase in rural and urban power availability. India is different, better, and a global leader in energy transition, setting the pace for a sustainable future.”
Prof Govindan Rangarajan, IISc Director, said, “The generous funding from PFC is a significant boost to our efforts to address critical energy-related challenges. The new building symbolises a shared vision for a sustainable future powered by clean energy sources. Research at this Centre will yield a number of novel solutions that can propel the country to the forefront of the global fight against climate change.”
