EEE Dept. of ADBU joins Global Universities to Drive Clean Energy Initiatives at IAU HESD SDG-7 Cluster Meeting

On Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at 2:30 pm IST, the International Association of Universities (IAU) in association with Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) convened a dynamic and high-impact meeting, focused on advancing Sustainable Development Goal-7 (SDG-7: Affordable and Clean Energy) among the members of the IAU’s SDG-7 Global Cluster on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD). Held virtually, the session served as a platform for sharing pioneering research, fostering collaborations, and charting the next steps in sustainable energy initiatives.

The meeting brought together the member universities and organizations of the SDG-7 Cluster, including ADBU (India) - the global leader of the cluster, Klaipeda University (Lithuania), and Qatar University, with additional invitations extended to Strathmore University (Kenya), Vaasa University (Finland), University of Rwanda, Murdoch University (Australia), and University of Saint Joseph (Lebanon). Assam Don Bosco University was represented by Fr. Joseph Nellanatt, Ms. Juhi Baruah, Dr. Hironmay Deb, Dr. Bikramjit Goswami, Dr. Pushpanjalee Konwar, Mr. Jesif Ahmed, Dr. Sunil Deka, Dr. Papul Changmai, Dr. Jyoti Kumar Barman, and Dr. Pori Das. Klaipeda University joined the cluster as a new member, represented by Dr. Rima Mickeviciene, while Qatar University participated with Dr. Abdelaziz Bouras. Additionally, IAU officials Ms. Isabel Toman and Ms. Phong Anh Duong not only coordinated the meeting but also actively contributed to the discussions, highlighting the significance of global academic collaboration.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Isabel Toman, Programme Officer for Sustainable Development at IAU, provided a comprehensive update on several new initiatives. Notably, the IAU has introduced an observer status for non-member universities, broadening participation within the SDG-7 Cluster. Enhancements to the Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD) portal are underway, aimed at better showcasing university profiles and sustainable development activities. Additionally, the IAU is actively encouraging the sharing of SDG strategies, organizing webinars for further knowledge exchange, and has forged a strategic partnership with University World News to amplify the visibility of these initiatives. The IAU-SOS Responsible Futures International Programme, now in its second international cohort, continues to build capacity for embedding sustainability practices across higher education institutions- Ms. Isabel informed.

Presentations by Assam Don Bosco University, India:

Dr. Hironmay Deb from ADBU delivered a dynamic presentation highlighting the institution’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. Dr. Hironmay talked about ADBU’s one of the standout projects - “Swabalamban Empowerment: Employment through Solar Energy” initiative, which focuses on providing solar street lights to rural communities. The university has further strengthened its community impact through Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with local NGOs, aimed at uplifting living standards. In addition to hosting the International Conference on Emerging and Environment Sustaining Renewable Energy (ICEESRE-2024) in collaboration with five Taiwanese universities, Assam Don Bosco University is pursuing innovative projects such as enhancing solar panel efficiency and developing IoT-enabled solar-powered waste bins. The university also outlined plans for future workshops, quizzes, and awareness programs dedicated to solar photovoltaic systems, electrical safety, and broader sustainability practices, emphasizing collaborative research, faculty and student exchanges, and participation in global conferences.

Presentation by Klaipeda University, Lithuania:

Dr. Rima Mickeviciene of Klaipeda University, presented a forward-looking overview of the university’s sustainability initiatives. A key highlight of the presentation was the university’s involvement in the EU-CONEXUS Project, which focuses on smart coastal and urban sustainability. Further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices, Klaipeda University is developing a Green Campus initiative that leverages real-time monitoring of electricity consumption and environmental conditions- Dr. Rima mentioned. The university is also making strides in research on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), providing specialized training in LNG engineering, and exploring the integration of offshore wind farms with green hydrogen production. Additional sustainability projects, such as hybridizing wind turbine service vessels and retrofitting older vessels for greener operations, underscore Klaipeda University’s innovative approach to sustainable energy research and implementation.

Presentation by Qatar University:

Dr. Abdelaziz Bouras of Qatar University showcased the institution’s extensive contributions to SDG-7 through a robust portfolio of research and development initiatives. Dr. Abdelaziz mentioned that Qatar University supports clean energy innovation by offering funding through its Academic Research Program and Research Tenant Program. In 2024 alone, the university is involved in 37 projects ranging from solar-driven energy conversion and clean energy technologies to sustainable hydrogen production and biomass-to-biofuel initiatives- Dr. Abdelaziz mentioned. The presentation also highlighted Qatar University’s strong collaborative framework, with partnerships extending to influential organizations such as Qatar Foundation, Qatar Airways, and global companies like ExxonMobil and Iberdrola. This expansive network, which connects the university with over 500 international partners, serves as a solid foundation for advancing research and practical applications in clean energy.

Discussion and Next Steps for the SDG 7 Cluster:

The meeting concluded with an engaging discussion on future directions for the IAU HESD SDG-7 Cluster. Participants exchanged ideas on further collaborative opportunities, with a particular emphasis on organizing online seminars. Dr. Hironmay Deb proposed joint seminars with colleagues from Klaipeda University and Qatar University to share expertise with students, a suggestion that was met with enthusiastic support. The discussion also touched on establishing clear topics for future seminars and sharing additional resources, including student profiles, publications, and relevant links. As a follow-up, the IAU committed to circulating detailed meeting notes and continuing to support the organization of future meetings, ensuring that the momentum built during the session translates into actionable steps towards achieving affordable and clean energy solutions in higher education.

The IAU HESD SDG-7 Cluster meeting exemplifies a robust, collaborative effort to address global sustainability challenges. With institutions from diverse regions coming together, the meeting set the stage for meaningful partnerships and innovative projects that will drive progress in clean energy and sustainable development.

EEE Dept. of ADBU Hosts Seminar on Power System Substations, Driving Sustainable Energy Goals

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) successfully organized a seminar on “Power System Substations: Fundamentals, Protection, and Future Trends”. The event, held on February 5, 2025, was in alignment with the United Nations' SDG-7 (ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all) and the Indian Government's Viksit Bharat@2047 mission and was aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of power system substations technology in support of sustainable energy infrastructure.

The seminar featured Mr. Narayan Sarma, former General Manager of Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL), as the resource person. Mr. Sarma, a leading expert in substation technology, shared his extensive knowledge and practical experience in the installation, testing, and commissioning of 220 KV and 132 KV grid substations.

The seminar drew the participation of 63 students, faculty, and staff from the EEE department, eager to learn about the critical role of substations in the power system.

Mr. Sarma’s presentation covered a wide range of critical topics, including the fundamental components of substations such as busbars, transformers, isolators, circuit breakers, CTs, and PTs. He also discussed various substation types, from step-up substations at generating stations to distribution substations for customer supply. The session delved into the critical functions of substations, including system protection, energy control, stability maintenance, and fault analysis. Furthermore, Mr. Sarma explained different types of circuit breakers (oil, air blast, SF6, vacuum), emphasizing their characteristics and applications, and underscored the importance of lightning arrestors for equipment protection. The seminar also covered crucial aspects of protection systems, earthing and shielding, and other essential substation systems like illumination, firefighting, and auxiliary power.

Mr. Sarma’s practical insights and real-world experience enriched the learning experience for all attendees. His expertise in high-voltage grid substations provided valuable context and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

The seminar successfully provided a platform for knowledge sharing and discussion, contributing to the development of future engineers and professionals in the power sector. It emphasized the importance of substations in ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future, directly supporting the goals of SDG-7 and the Viksit Bharat@2047 mission. The event was a comprehensive exploration of substation technology and its crucial role in the power grid, leaving participants with a broader understanding of the subject and its future implications.

By engaging students and faculty in these critical discussions, ADBU continues to support the development of future engineers capable of advancing India’s energy infrastructure in alignment with national and global sustainability objectives.