New Delhi, In a significant step towards bolstering India’s renewable energy capabilities, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) yesterday signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a new chapter in academic-industry collaboration so as to accelerate innovation in the clean energy sector. This partnership aims to leverage the combined strengths of both institutions to foster cutting-edge research, skill development, and academic advancement.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and Prof. Mohammad Rihan, Director General, National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurgaon. The signing ceremony was conducted in the presence of Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, who presided over the event. Also present were Prof. Mohammed Sharif, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Technology; Prof. Shahida Khatoon, Head, Department of Electrical Engineering; Prof. Majid Jamil, the coordinator for the collaboration, and other senior faculty members from the Department.
The collaboration establishes a framework for joint work in several critical areas of mutual interest. It helps both institutions to pursue applied research and development in solar photovoltaic technologies, focusing on solar panel testing, PV recycling for a circular economy, and addressing the challenges of integrating large-scale solar power into the grid. Moreover, the partnership will include collaborative efforts on testing and characterizing Green Hydrogen systems and components, such as electrolyzers and fuel cells. A key pillar of the MoU is a commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity building through the exchange of experts, faculty, and students for various training programs. Both institutions have also agreed to explore the possibility of starting a new Master’s course dedicated to Renewable Energy and Solar Technologies, and to share their respective facilities and infrastructure to meet shared national vision and objectives.
Presiding over the event, Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, emphasized the strategic importance of the MoU. “This partnership is a cornerstone of our vision to align academia with national missions. By synergizing JMI’s academic prowess with NISE’s specialized R&D capabilities, we are not just creating a platform for innovation but are actively shaping the future of sustainable energy in Bharat. This MoU will empower our students and researchers to work on real-world challenges and create impactful solutions.”
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, Jamia Millia Islamia, stated, “This partnership with NISE is a testament to our commitment to addressing national priorities through academic excellence. With its cutting-edge labs and solid research history, our Department of Electrical Engineering is well-positioned to work with NISE. Together, we will create unparalleled opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute meaningfully to Bharat’s solar energy revolution.”
Prof. Mohammad Rihan, Director General, National Institute of Solar Energy, said, “NISE is dedicated to being the nation’s catalyst for solar energy advancement. Collaborating with a prestigious institution like Jamia Millia Islamia allows us to bridge the gap between R&D and academic rigor. This MoU will accelerate innovation in critical areas like PV recycling and green hydrogen, while also building the highly skilled workforce required for the future of energy in Bharat.”
The initiative received strong support from the Faculty of Engineering & Technology. Prof. Mohammed Sharif, Dean of the Faculty, commented, “This MoU is a significant milestone for our faculty. It opens up interdisciplinary research avenues and will enhance the academic curriculum, ensuring our graduates are at the forefront of renewable energy technology. We are committed to providing all necessary support to make this collaboration a resounding success.”
Prof. Shahida Khatoon, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, JMI, highlighted the direct benefits for students, stating, “Our department’s core strength lies in its robust curriculum in power systems and sustainable energy technologies. This partnership directly translates that academic foundation into real-world application. Our students will gain invaluable access to NISE’s state-of-the-art facilities and pioneering projects, giving them a decisive edge in their careers and equipping them to become the next generation of leaders in the solar energy sector.”
The operationalization of this partnership is coordinated by Prof. Majid Jamil, along with other dedicated faculty members from the Department of Electrical Engineering. Prof. Majid Jamil expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our department has a long-standing tradition of excellence in power systems and energy engineering. This collaboration with NISE provides a phenomenal opportunity to translate our research into tangible technologies. We are particularly excited about the prospects in advanced PV testing, grid integration, and Green Hydrogen, which are critical for Bharat’s energy security.”
This strategic alliance between Jamia Millia Islamia, a central university renowned for its academic excellence and A++ NAAC grade, and NISE, the apex R&D institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, is expected to yield significant outcomes. These include pioneering research projects, the development of a skilled workforce, and policy-relevant insights, ultimately contributing to the goals of the National Solar Mission and Bharat’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. At the end of the programme, Dr. Arunesh Kumar Singh extended vote of thanks to Vice Chancellor, JMI, Registrar JMI, Director General, NISE, Deputy Director General NISE, Director, NISE, Dean faculty of Engineering & Technology, Dean, Academic Affairs and all professors and staff of the Department present there in making the event successful.
