The power of collaboration could help India and New Zealand reach renewable energy goals and bring an end to energy poverty.
A recent visit to the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi) by a New Zealand delegation of University of Canterbury researchers explored renewable energy research developments and strengthening partnerships in a series of workshops focussed on green hydrogen.
IIT-Delhi Dean of Research and Development Professor Naresh Bhatnagar says an international commitment to developing renewable energy solutions needs enthusiastic and talented international partners.
“If we find synergies and ways to get together as international partners, then the sum will be greater than the parts. We see this in our international collaborations – papers are cited more, perspectives are different, and the vibrancy of the campus and research grows.”
Recently published IIT-Delhi research, ‘Mission Energy Access for a just and sustainable future for all,’ supports the global goal of ending energy poverty by 2030. The authors noted that it is a betrayal of the global commitment to ending energy poverty that so many global citizens remain unable to access reliable energy.
India is committed to aspirational climate goals, including a Government commitment to be energy independent by 2047. Renewable energy and green hydrogen will play a significant role in this.
An expert in energy and hydrogen technologies, University of Canterbury Professor Aaron Marshall was delighted to join the delegation and share his research, which explores energy equity.
His research aims to develop a new type of electrolyser – a tool that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen – to produce green hydrogen energy in a more cost-effective way by replacing noble metals, metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
“Energy is required to produce hydrogen. Currently, the best electrolysers are about 75% efficient, but they cost a lot to build and use expensive noble metals,” Professor Marshall says.
