G. H. Raisoni College of Engg & Management, Pune
Renewable Energy
“Opportunities in Solar Sector”
Expert Session on “Opportunities in Solar Sector” at GHRCEM, Pune
The renewable club under the Mechanical Engineering Department of GHRCEM Pune organized an expert session on "Opportunities in the Solar Sector". India's installed electricity generation capacity is 428 GW on 31st December 2023. The fossil fuel power generation capacity is 240 GW, which is approximately 56%. Fossil fuel power plants have disadvantages like soil, water, air pollution, acid rain, global warming, thermal pollution, etc. Thus, renewable sector development is the only option for sustainable development. Solar installed capacity is 73000 MW, i.e. 10.4 % of total installed capacity. About 5,000 trillion kWh annually of energy is incident over India's land area.
Most of the parts receive 4-7 kWh per sqm per day. Theoretically, a small fraction of the total incident solar energy (if captured effectively) can meet the entire country's power requirements. The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has assessed the country's solar potential of about 748 GW; assuming 3% of the wasteland area will be covered by solar PV modules. Thus, there are huge requirements for the following skilled persons for the overall development of the solar sector.
· Occupations in scientific research
1. Physicist
2. Chemist
3. Material Scientist
· Engineering and computer occupations
1. Material engineers
2. Chemical engineers
3. Electrical engineers
4. Mechanical engineers
5. Software developer
6. Electronic technicians
· Occupations in solar power plant construction
1. Construction managers
2. Civil engineers
3. Construction labourers
4. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
5. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
6. Structural iron and steel workers
In brief, this sector has a high potential to generate many jobs.
The faculty member, Prof. Sirdeshmukh N. P., conducted the session. He summarizes the overview of the current status of the power sector and opportunities in the solar industry. He motivated students to undertake projects in similar research areas and upskilling for the future. The students enjoyed the session. A total of 25 students from different departments participated in the expert session.
