The partnership between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and NeXHS Renewables Private Limited signifies a significant stride in the realm of sustainable energy. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17th May 2024, these two entities have committed to collaborating on a wide array of sustainable energy projects, initiatives, and research endeavours.

One of the primary objectives of this collaboration is to advance renewable energy solutions that cater to the evolving needs of society while also promoting environmental sustainability. This partnership aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s ‘Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)’ scheme, under which IIT Bhubaneswar’s School of Infrastructure will establish a Center for Coastal and River Bank Erosion. This centre will be dedicated to researching coastal landforms, river bank stability, and offshore structure-related issues.

To facilitate the establishment and operation of this centre, NeXHS Renewables has committed to providing partial funding for the procurement of necessary equipment. Beyond financial support, both IIT Bhubaneswar and NeXHS Renewables are committed to working closely together to identify areas of mutual interest, establish joint research teams, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources.

The collaboration between these institutions brings together academic expertise and industry insights, creating a synergistic environment for the development and deployment of scalable renewable energy solutions. Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, underscored the significance of this collaboration in leveraging renewable energy technologies for a sustainable future. He emphasised the potential of combining the expertise and resources of both institutions to drive impactful research and innovation in the field.

Moreover, Prof. Sumanta Haldar, Head of the School of Infrastructure at IIT Bhubaneswar, along with Dr. Arindam Sarkar, Dr. T. Jothi Saravanan, and other faculty members, discussed the advanced research being conducted at the centre for coastal and river bank erosion. Their contributions highlight the depth of expertise and dedication within the academic community towards addressing critical environmental challenges.

Mr. Sudhansu Bhusan Prusty, MD & CEO of NeXHS Renewables, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, recognizing its potential to make significant contributions to the advancement of renewable energy technologies. His optimism reflects the shared commitment of both parties to drive meaningful change in the renewable energy landscape.

The MoU signing event was attended by key representatives from both IIT Bhubaneswar and NeXHS Renewables, including dignitaries, Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (SRIC), faculty members, and industry stakeholders. This event served as a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision for a sustainable future.