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The commitment of Gujarat towards solar is strongly reflected in the innovative research and development projects pursued by Pandit Deendayal Energy University. Ever since its inception, PDEU has been at the forefront of innovation in the area of solar, evolving from a focus on the generation of solar power into being part of the value chain in manufacturing solar technologies.

The start and growth of initiatives: PDEU began a one-megawatt solar plant in 2011 and thus formed a cornerstone for its initial solar energy-related initiatives. This project laid a foundation for further development in solar power generation, enabling the university to experiment, learn, and optimize the same.

Increasing the Production Capacity: One major milestone in the journey of PDEU was to facilitate setting up a production line for 45-megawatt solar photovoltaic panel production. This would be a giant leap towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in solar technology. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances local manufacturing capabilities but also integrates students and faculty into the production process, fostering a hands-on learning environment and driving innovation.

Next-generation solar cell technology: Beyond the panels themselves, PDEU aims to investigate further technological developments in the production of solar cells. The University would switch from producing wafers into developing solar cells, which is a major step toward completing the value chain for producing solar energy. This initiative would demonstrate how an academic institution could come forward to collaborate with industry partners toward the advancement of technology and develop a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Through these strategic initiatives, PDEU is reinforcing Gujarat’s position as a leader in renewable energy, while also contributing to India’s broader vision of energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.

ADVANCEMENTS IN GRID INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY STORAGE

While Gujarat continues to march ahead as the leader in the field of renewable energy, it becomes imperative that the grid infrastructure of the state is upgraded to cope with the increasing share of renewables. GPCL is at the forefront in this transformation and undertakes some vital upgrade initiatives to facilitate storage of energy and hybrid energy solutions for the following:

250-Megawatt Battery Energy Storage System:

Dr. Manoharan brings to the fore the latest initiative by GPCL: “GPCL is pioneering a 250-megawatt battery energy storage system that enables us to store excess energy generated during peak sola solar hours. This is a pioneering initiative for overcoming the challenges of energy storage and grid stability.”

Smart Hybrid Grid Integration:

GPCL is developing a smart hybrid grid integrating solar energy with wind power, along with advanced storage solutions such as redox flow batteries. Dr. Manoharan elaborates:

“We are working on a hybrid grid that will combine solar and wind energy with redox flow batteries. Everything one may need for large-scale energy storage and transmission thus becomes possible.”

These initiatives are critical to making the grid in Gujarat capable of sustaining the rising tide of renewable energy, while further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power distribution in the state.

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SUPPORTING DECENTRALIZED RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

As a result, Gujarat is increasingly focusing on decentralized renewable energy solutions, and the special needs of rural and semi-urban areas where large solar farms are less practical. In this regard, Pandit Deendayal Energy UniversityPDEU is advocating for:

Rooftop Solar Installations: For increased solar generation of power directly at or near the point of consumption to decrease transmission losses while making households and businesses energy independent.

Localized smart grids: Integration of technologies such as vertical wind turbines and flow battery systems for small yet selfsufficient energy networks. These grids can manage the production and storage of energy locally to assure reliable sources of power supply at far-reaching areas.

Flow batteries are emerging as a key technology for these decentralized grids. They are especially suited for large-scale energy storage requirements greater than 1 megawatt. With their longer lifecycle and 100% recyclability, flow batteries provide a sustainable and efficient solution for energy storage, enhancing grid stability and reducing dependency on traditional power sources.

ENCOURAGING GREEN STARTUPS AND INNOVATION

PDEU is playing a pivotal role through several startups on solar energy and storage solutions for the advancement of innovation and entrepreneurship in the green energy vertical. This is part of a larger vision of the University to encourage sustainable technologies and hence contribute towards the renewable energy targets of Gujarat. Salient features of the startup initiatives at PDEU are as follows:

Alumni-Led Startups: The university at large has been encouraging entrepreneurship among students and alumni. Dr. Manoharan points out, “We have a number of startups, including those by our alumni, on innovative solar and energy storage solutions. Solar trees for parks and mobile battery chargers for electric vehicles are some of the exciting projects we support.”

Innovation Council and Incubation: The Innovation Council of PDEU is at the fulcrum of the startup ecosystem at the University. According to Dr. Manoharan, “Through our innovation council, more than 120 startups are being groomed, with special emphasis on energy harvesting and storage. Their innovations are leading the way toward a greener future.”

Practical Orientation: The startups coming out of PDEU are not oriented just toward research, but to create practical applications that solve real-world problems. Projects have ranged from solar trees that can provide renewable energy for public spaces, and mobile battery chargers for electric vehicles will go directly to contribute toward the state’s renewable energy landscape.

The above initiatives are, therefore, being cautiously mentored at PDEU to address a fresh breed of entrepreneurs who lead the green energy sector with state-of-the-art sustainable solutions.

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GUJARAT’S VISION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN 2047

The contribution of Gujarat will, therefore, be intensive in nature while driving the country toward a greener future, as far as India’s renewable energy goals are concerned in 2047. According to Dr. Sundar Manoharan, Gujarat is committed to this vision with innovative research, advanced infrastructure, and proactive policy measures deriving from institutions such as Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) and Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL).

As he points out, “Gujarat is forging ahead on new frontiers such as putting floating solar panels on water reservoirs and flexible solar cells,” thereby underlining the commitment of the state to the use of path-breaking technologies for overcoming energy deficiency and harnessing conventional energy obstacles. The salient features of Gujarat’s approach are:

Commitment to Net Zero Carbon Emissions: The State of Gujarat is committed to net zero carbon emission in tune with the “Vikasit Bharat” vision of India, with a sharp jump in renewable energy. This commitment is underpinned by a firm commitment to a focused approach in the areas of carbon footprints reduction and enhancement of green energy capacity.

Adopting Advanced Renewable Energy Technologies: Gujarat is pioneering new technologies in order to address conventional challenges. Floating Solar Panels: The State overcomes the barrier of land acquisition and utilized space optimally by installing floating solar panels on water reservoirs.

Flexible Solar Cells: Manufacture flexible solar cells which could be integrated into a number of surfaces for better adaptability and efficiency in systems working on solar energy.

Positioning as a Global Leader in Energy Transitions: This positioning as a global leader in energy transitions mirrors how the state’s focus on innovative and disruptive technologies, along with ambitious renewable energy targets set by the country, has set an example globally. Gujarat typifies pragmatism, scalability in action that can be emulated across the world to fast-track the movement toward sustainable energy.

Encouragement of Research and Green Entrepreneurship: Apart from research engagements at PDEU, the strategic infrastructure development by GPCL has built a serious commitment for Gujarat. More importantly, PDEU plays a crucial role in fostering green entrepreneurship through the Innovation Council and incubation programs, which encourage more than 120 startups working on energy harvesting and storage solutions. Dr. Manoharan further elucidates, “Their innovations are opening up routes for a greener tomorrow,” and hence recognizes the role of fostering entrepreneurship talent to motivate the sustainable energy revolution.

Powered by research at PDEU and infrastructure development propelled by GPCL, Gujarat is poised for new frontiers of energy efficiency and technologies contributing towards the state’s renewable energy objectives. Being at the epicenter of innovation and learning, PDEU has all the ease of streamlining further developments related to renewable energy and keeping Gujarat pivotal in the Indian journey toward a greener, sustainable future.

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