In a momentous event marking a significant leap in scientific advancement, RK Singh, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, laid the Foundation Stone for the construction of the new Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER) building at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, supported by Power Finance Corporation (PFC) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative on December 28, 2023.
This monumental project unveiled in the presence of key dignitaries including KJ George, Minister of Energy, Government of Karnataka, PC Mohan, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha Central constituency, Bengaluru, Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha South constituency, Bengaluru, Gaurav Gupta, Addl. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka, Manoj Sharma, Director (Commercial), PFC & Ali Shah, Executive Director ,CSR, PFC. This marks a crucial step towards shaping the future of energy research and sustainable technologies.
The financial assistance of Rs. 60.74 Crores sanctioned by PFC under its CSR initiative for construction of new ICER building is an example of collaborative efforts in advancing research and development in the energy field. This support signifies PFC’s dedication to fostering groundbreaking research that will shape the future of energy technologies in the country.
The proposed new building aims to replace the aging infrastructure currently housing ICER, providing a modern, technologically advanced facility spanning ground plus three floors. It will encompass laboratories, classrooms, seminar rooms, meeting spaces, a library and computational facilities. The construction of this new building is being undertaken by CPWD and is scheduled to be completed by March, 2026.
ICER’s research initiatives focus on a spectrum of renewable energy domains, including Net Zero Technology development for Green Hydrogen, sCo2, Power and Turbine, Clean Coal technology. Pioneering research and development activities on green energy technologies such as the generation of hydrogen and other biofuels from biomass, advance batteries and energy storage systems & sustainable technologies.
IISc Bengaluru, is an institution renowned for its pioneering research and academic excellence, the Institute stands as a beacon of advanced scientific and technological education. With a legacy spanning over 111 years, it has earned the top spot in NIRF rankings released by MHRD consecutively from 2019 to 2023. Notable personalities like Sir CV Raman, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam have adorned its illustrious legacy. This new chapter at ICER, driven by knowledge, curiosity, and collective endeavor, serves as an epicenter for scientific breakthroughs and transformative change, resonating with the Hon’ble PM’s vision of a technologically empowered and self-reliant India.