Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): In a significant push towards clean energy innovation, the Odisha government and IIT Bhubaneswar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre for Renewable Energy Research and Studies (CRRS) at the institute’s campus.
The agreement, signed between GRIDCO Limited and IIT Bhubaneswar, aims to create a dedicated hub for advanced research, technology development and industry collaboration in the renewable energy sector. The initiative builds on the partnership forged by the two institutions in July 2025 to accelerate the development and commercial adoption of clean-energy technologies in Odisha.
The proposed centre will be set up under the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy (OREP) 2022 and is expected to serve as a common platform connecting academia, industry, the power sector and government agencies. It will focus on research, technology demonstrations, skill development and policy support to strengthen the state’s renewable energy ecosystem.
🌱 Powering Odisha’s Clean Energy Future!
IIT Bhubaneswar and GRIDCO Limited join hands to establish the Centre for Renewable Energy Research & Studies (CRRS), Odisha at IIT Bhubaneswar. ⚡🌿
Envisaged under the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy (OREP) 2022, the Centre will bring… pic.twitter.com/XtxuXnhjw9
— IIT Bhubaneswar (@iitbbs) September 4, 2026
Under the partnership, GRIDCO will function as the implementing agency on behalf of the state’s Energy Department, while IIT Bhubaneswar will host the centre and provide academic leadership, research expertise, laboratories and infrastructure.
The CRRS is planned as a comprehensive research facility featuring advanced laboratories, testing and certification units, pilot demonstration plants, a specialised training centre and a renewable energy data centre for resource assessment and forecasting.
Research at the centre will span a range of emerging technologies, including solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, energy storage systems, smart grids, electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy integration, advanced materials and sustainable battery technologies.
The project will also explore funding opportunities through government programmes, international agencies, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and industry partnerships to expand its research capabilities.
IIT Bhubaneswar Director Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar said the new centre would bridge cutting-edge scientific research with practical solutions to meet the country’s growing clean energy needs.
GRIDCO Managing Director Satyapriya Rath described the collaboration as a major step towards building Odisha’s long-term capacity in renewable energy through innovation, research and technology-driven development.
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