NITI Aayog member calls for innovation in energy sector at IIPE convocation

India’s transition towards clean energy and technological self-reliance would require skilled professionals and strong research ecosystems, NITI Aayog Member and chief guest V.K. Saraswat said at the sixth annual convocation of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

Addressing the graduating students at the institute’s permanent campus in Vangali village of Anakapalli district, Dr. Saraswat said sectors such as green hydrogen, renewable energy systems, energy storage technologies and advanced manufacturing would play a key role in shaping India’s future. He urged students to contribute to nation-building through innovation, leadership and lifelong learning.

A total of 114 students received degrees during the convocation, including 97 B.Tech. students, 15 M.Sc. Applied Geology students and two Ph.D. scholars. Ansul Chatterjee received the President’s Gold Medal for academic excellence and all-round merit.

IIPE Board of Governors president P.K. Banik said the institute was contributing to emerging areas such as artificial intelligence applications in the energy sector, hydrogen technologies and geophysical exploration for natural hydrogen resources.

IIPE Director Shalivahan described the convocation as a milestone, as it was conducted for the first time at the institute’s permanent campus. He highlighted the commencement of hydrogen generation under an NTPC-supported project using desalinated water, international collaborations and the establishment of advanced research facilities.