[A] Introduction
On 25th October 2024, a group of students from the Department of Electrical Engineering,
Girijananda Chowdhury University, Assam, accompanied by faculty members Mr. Sanjib
Hazarika and Mr. Prithvi Narayan Sinha, attended a seminar at the NEDFi Conference Hall.
Organized by the Senior Engineers Forum NER, the seminar addressed global warming and
the challenges of energy transition in India, offering an important platform for dialogue among
students, industry professionals, and policymakers.
[B] Objectives of the Seminar
The seminar aimed to:
- Educate attendees about the impacts of global warming.
- Discuss the current challenges and opportunities in transitioning to sustainable energy
sources in India. - Share innovative technologies and strategies for effective energy management.
- Foster collaboration and dialogue between students and professionals in the energy
sector.
[C] Important Highlights
- Inaugural Address: The event commenced with an address by Er. Subha Brata Sarmah,
former Chief Engineer and Secretary, Govt of Assam, who underscored the urgency of
addressing climate change and the pivotal role of renewable energy in mitigating its
effects. - Expert Presentations:
(a) Understanding Global Warming: Prof. Sudip Mitra, IIT Guwahati provided a
comprehensive overview of global warming, outlining its causes and long-term
consequences for the planet and human societies.
(b) Energy Transition in India: Shri Syedain Abbasi, IAS, Additional Chief
Secretary to Govt ofAssam (PHE, Water Resources and Irrigation Dept) discussed
India’s energy landscape, emphasizing the reliance on coal and fossil fuels while
highlighting the need for a shift towards renewable energy sources.
(c) Innovative Solutions: Both the speakers advocated on implementation of cutting-
edge technologies in the renewable energy sector, such as advancements in solar
energy, wind power, and energy storage systems.
- Panel Discussion: A panel featuring industry experts engaged in a dynamic discussion
about the barriers to energy transition, including regulatory hurdles, financing challenges,
and public awareness. The panelists shared insights on how collaborative efforts can
drive progress. - Interactive Q&A Session: Students actively participated in a question-and-answer
session, posing thoughtful questions about the challenges of implementing renewable
energy solutions in rural and urban settings.
[D] Student Feedback
The attending students reported that the seminar was both enlightening and motivating. Many
expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from leading experts and emphasized their
newfound interest in sustainability and renewable energy careers. The discussions sparked ideas
for future projects and initiatives related to energy conservation on campus.
[E] Conclusion
The seminar on global warming and energy transition challenges was a significant event that
successfully raised awareness among students about critical environmental issues. The
engagement between students and professionals provided a rich learning experience and inspired
attendees to consider their roles in addressing these challenges.
(a) Ongoing Educational Initiatives: Regular seminars and workshops should be organized
to keep students updated on environmental and energy issues.
(b) Field Learning Opportunities: Organizing visits to renewable energy installations could
enhance practical understanding and interest in the field.
Acknowledgments
We extend our gratitude to the Senior Engineer Forum NER for organizing this impactful
seminar and to all the speakers for their invaluable contributions.
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