IIT Bhubaneswar Signs Research Collaborative Agreement with GRIDCO and NTU Singapore
On December 11, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar made headlines by signing a significant Research Collaborative Agreement with GRIDCO Ltd. and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. This collaboration aims to advance four major projects in the field of renewable energy, specifically focusing on Battery Energy Storage, Microgrids, Waste-to-Energy, and Agri-Photovoltaics.
Objectives of the Collaboration
The partnership between IIT Bhubaneswar, GRIDCO, and NTU Singapore is designed to facilitate:
- Prototype development in renewable energy technologies.
- Field deployment of innovative energy solutions.
- Commercial-scale implementation of renewable energy projects.
This initiative marks a crucial step towards bolstering India’s renewable energy ecosystem, particularly in the eastern region of the country.
IIT Bhubaneswar’s Vision for Renewable Energy
IIT Bhubaneswar is positioning itself as a national hub for renewable energy by developing state-of-the-art research and development infrastructure. The institute is also focused on fostering strategic international partnerships to enhance its capabilities in this domain.
Through this collaboration, IIT Bhubaneswar aims to lead transformative initiatives that will shape the future energy landscape of India, while also supporting the Government of Odisha’s energy transition goals.
Establishment of Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen
In addition to the primary agreement, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Bhubaneswar, GRIDCO Ltd., Avaada, and ReNew Pvt. Ltd. to establish a Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen. This Centre will focus on:
- Translational research in the field of Green Hydrogen.
- Fostering entrepreneurship.
- Developing commercializable technologies in Green Hydrogen and related areas.
This initiative is expected to catalyze innovation and create a robust research and industry ecosystem, positioning Odisha as a leading hub for energy transition in alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Net-Zero mandate.
Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS-25)
The MoUs were officially signed during the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS-25), which took place in Puri from December 5 to 7, 2025. The summit was attended by prominent figures, including:
- Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha.
- Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary (Energy), Government of Odisha.
- Dr. Satyapriya Rath, Managing Director, GRIDCO.
- Shri Prasant Choubey, President, Avaada.
- Shri Vivek Jaiswal, Executive Vice President, ReNew.
- Prof. Chandrashekhar N. Bhende, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy-In-Charge), IIT Bhubaneswar.
- Prof. Subhranshu Ranjan Samantaray, Principal Investigator, IIT Bhubaneswar.
- Prof. Umaprasana Ojha, Co-Principal Investigator, IIT Bhubaneswar.
Impact on Renewable Energy Research and Innovation
These collaborative initiatives collectively reinforce IIT Bhubaneswar’s commitment to driving research, innovation, and large-scale deployment of renewable energy technologies. The partnership is expected to significantly advance Odisha’s and India’s leadership in sustainable energy solutions.
The focus on Battery Energy Storage, Microgrids, Waste-to-Energy, and Agri-Photovoltaics reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the energy challenges faced by the region and the country at large.
Conclusion
The agreement between IIT Bhubaneswar, GRIDCO, and NTU Singapore is a landmark step towards enhancing renewable energy capabilities in India. By focusing on innovative technologies and fostering international collaboration, this initiative is set to play a crucial role in the energy transition journey of the nation.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and aims to provide an overview of the significant developments in renewable energy research and collaboration in India.
