Aligarh Muslim University top contender for MNRE Green Campus certification

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), which achieved a unique status of being self-sustaining by generating green energy from renewable resources for sustainable future, is now a strong candidate for Green Campus certification by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India (GoI) as the University has successfully shifted conventional electricity grid consumption to solar energy by more than 60 lac units and saved about 50 lac kg of CO2 emissions in a span of two years.

It should be noted that India is among the 200 countries to have pledged for a commitment to the ‘United Nations Frame Work Convention on Climate Change’ for reducing CO2 emissions. The GoI has targeted a reduction of 35 percent in CO2 emissions by the year 2030 with its National Mission on Climate Protection.

In line with the MNRE requirements of reduction in dependence on conventional energy sources by 25 percent in five years; AMU is improving energy efficiency, conserving resources, and enhancing environmental quality with various projects contributing to equivalent per day saving of about 27000 kg of CO2 emissions.

“The implemented projects in AMU include a grid integrated 6.5 MW of solar PV power, which is among the largest installations of grid integrated renewable energy in academic institutes of the country and a unique 3.3 MW Peak (MWp) Ground Mounted Solar PV Farm integrated with the campus distribution system,” said AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor adding that these installations are a part of ‘National Solar Mission’ aimed at integration of 100 000 MW of Solar Photo Voltaic Power Plants with power grid in the Country.

AMU has been awarded the second prize among all categories of installations by the Department of Additional Sources of Energy, Government of Uttar Pradesh for its contribution to ‘Save Energy Campaign’ in the state.

The University is also involved in various programmes related to manpower training in this area of national importance such as Training Programme for Engineers of PVVNL, Moradabad Division, Office of Chief Engineer, Moradabad (November 22-23, 2017); Training Programme for Engineers of PVVNL, Moradabad Division, Office of Chief Engineer, Moradabad (January 15-16, 2018); Training Programme for Engineers of PVVNL, Muzaffarnagar Division, Office of the Superintending Engineer, Muzaffarnagar (January 22-23, 2018) and Training Programme for Engineers of PVVNL, Shamli Division, Office of the Superintending Engineer, Shamli (February 3-4, 2018).

AMU has conducted invited talks at International Training Programs organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of External Affairs for participants of different countries. Through these programs India has been helping participant countries of ‘International Solar Alliance for Implementation of Environment Friendly Solar Energy Sources.’

AMU has provided technical guidance and support to Jamia Millia Islamia, Meerut University, Allahabad University, Teerthankar University, Integral University and Smart City Programmes at Bareilly and Meerut, Engineers of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited and to other industries, colleges and schools.