The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) has inaugurated a new Centre for Clean Energy and Circular Economy (C-CECE), dedicated to developing effective and affordable solutions for clean and sustainable energy, as well as advancing the principles of a circular economy. The centre was launched on 6th June 2024 with the aim of developing and commercializing technologies for clean water, sanitation, and overall well-being. The C-CECE will also focus on creating technologies and solutions for sustainable and clean smart cities and communities, as well as enhancing climate resilience. 

The inauguration was graced by Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, who served as the chief guest. In her keynote address through video conference, Dr. Vibha emphasized the necessity of nature-oriented solutions to combat the environmental challenges posed by carbon emissions. She highlighted that while the world aims for net zero emissions, this goal cannot be achieved through technological advancements alone; nature-based solutions are crucial to meeting this target. She also noted the alarming rise in global temperatures by 1.15 degrees, leading to widespread destruction, and warned that continued temperature increases could threaten the survival of birds, animals, and humans.

Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NIT Calicut, presided over the function. In his address, Prof. Krishna called on engineers and scientists to collaborate in providing clean energy to the world. He stressed the importance of ensuring sustainability in technological innovations.

To bolster its mission of promoting clean energy and a circular economy, NIT Calicut signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Energy Management Centre (EMC), Kerala; the Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), Kerala; and Brunel University, UK.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Energy Management Centre (EMC), Kerala

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), Kerala

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brunel University, UK

Dr. Harikumar Ramadas, Director of EMC, Kerala, who was the guest of honour, echoed the sentiment that technology alone cannot achieve carbon neutrality. He underscored the importance of involving social scientists and economists in the effort to reduce carbon emissions.

Other notable speakers included Dr. Harjit Singh, Professor at Brunel University, UK, and Mr. Rajesh R., Additional Chief Technical Manager of ANERT. They each contributed insights on the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing clean energy initiatives.

The event also featured speeches from Prof. A Shaija, Chairperson of C-CECE; Prof. Jose Mathew, Chairperson of the Centre for Industry Institutional Relations; Prof. M K Ravi Varma, Dean of International, Alumni, and Corporate Relations; and Dr. Arun P, Vice Chairperson of C-CECE.

Speech from Prof. A Shaija, Chairperson of C-CECE

Speech from Prof. Jose Mathew, Chairperson of the Centre for Industry Institutional Relations

Speech from Prof. M K Ravi Varma, Dean of International, Alumni, and Corporate Relations

Speech from Dr. Arun P, Vice Chairperson of C-CECE

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Cdr. Dr. M S Shamasundara, heads of departments, faculty members, non-faculty members, and students, marking a significant milestone in NITC’s commitment to fostering sustainable and eco-friendly technological advancements.

The inauguration ceremony was followed by interaction with Prof. Christos N Markides, Imperial College, London with C-CECE members, faculty members, non-faculty members, and students.