Skilled workforce vital for clean energy push: Saraswat

NITI Aayog member V.K. Saraswat on Thursday said India’s transition towards clean energy and technological self-reliance would require a skilled workforce and robust research ecosystems.

Addressing the sixth annual convocation of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy at its permanent campus in Vangali village of Anakapalli district, Dr Saraswat said green hydrogen, renewable energy systems, energy storage technologies and advanced manufacturing would shape the country’s future growth.

He urged the graduating students to contribute to nation-building through innovation, leadership and lifelong learning.

A total of 114 students received degrees during the convocation, including 97 B.Tech students, 15 M.Sc Applied Geology students and two Ph.D scholars. Ansul Chatterjee received the President’s Gold Medal for academic excellence and all-round merit.

IIPE Board of Governors president P.K. Banik said the institute was contributing to emerging areas such as artificial intelligence applications in the energy sector, hydrogen technologies and geophysical exploration for natural hydrogen resources.

IIPE Director Shalivahan described the convocation as a milestone, as it was conducted for the first time at the institute’s permanent campus. He also highlighted the commencement of hydrogen generation under an NTPC-supported project using desalinated water, along with international collaborations and the establishment of advanced research facilities.