SunEdison has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anna University, the 200-year-old prestigious engineering institution in Tamil Nadu, India.
SunEdison and the Anna University plan to escalate the solar photovoltaic industry in Tamil Nadu by creating a curriculum that enhance technical expertise and innovative technologies in solar energy sector.
SunEdison takes immense pride in joining forces with India’s premiere engineering institution, Anna University to develop talent and innovations in the field of solar photovoltaic technology, said, Pashupathy Gopalan, president, Asia Pacific division, SunEdison.
This industry-institution partnership will foster collaborative research activities in solar photovoltaic technology and sustainable solar irrigation solutions, he said.
The memorandum outlines plans for Anna University and SunEdison to develop certification and training programs for the university’s Institute of Energy Studies. Additionally, they will cooperate in the future to conduct research on sustainable, affordable and reliable energy systems and processes, explained, M. Rajaram, vice-chancellor, Anna University, Chennai.
In addition, SunEdison has also signed MOU for establishing solar water pumps in the campus that will enhance the irrigation of their agricultural land.
It will also be useful for various testing as well as research purposes undertaken by students pursuing the course related to this particular field.
Last year, the university has set up a 3kw solar power plant on the campus to reduce dependence on non-renewable forms of energy.
It is planning to establish such plants in all institutions to meet Tamil Nadu’s solar policy, which mandates that 6 percent of the total power consumption in all educational institutions should be met by solar energy.
Last month, SunEdison has won the biggest share 150 MW in five PV projects, for Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. (KREDL), with Azure Power and Welspun Renewable Energy.
In another development, SunEdison has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rajasthan government to set up several solar power projects of 500 megawatt capacity each, totaling 5,000MW, in Rajasthan.
It plans to create solar facilities to generate and supply solar energy to various organizations inside and outside Rajasthan, including Solar Energy Corporation of India, NTPC VidyutVyaparan Nigam Limited and Power Trading Corporation.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com