In a significant stride towards scientific innovation and technological advancement, THDC India Limited (THDCIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise, and the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets the stage for a five-year collaborative partnership dedicated to the advancement of research and development in Science, Engineering, and Technology.

On October 12, 2023, the MoU was formally signed by Sh. S. K. Chauhan, Head of Research and Development at THDCIL, and Prof. Naresh Bhatnagar, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Delhi.

The MoU outlines the comprehensive partnership between THDCIL and IIT Delhi, emphasizing research studies, pilot projects, and consulting engagements led by faculty members from both institutions. Sh. R. K. Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director of THDC India Limited, highlighted the pivotal areas of collaboration envisioned in the agreement, extending across a diverse range of research domains. These include energy conservation, alternatives to lithium-ion storage batteries, nanotechnology for electric vehicle batteries, green hydrogen, geothermal technology, climate change issues, waste management and recycling, water management and conservation, vortex-induced vibrations, tunnelling techniques, biofuels, grid stability improvements, and various other pertinent fields.

THDCIL has committed to providing comprehensive financial support for operational expenses and the cost of research and development activities, bolstering IIT Delhi’s capabilities to undertake mutually agreed R&D projects.

In return, IIT Delhi will offer vital infrastructural support and access to scientific, engineering, and technical expertise. This support will be instrumental in facilitating research and development activities aligned with the academic pursuits of the institute. Prof. Naresh Bhatnagar expressed his gratitude to THDCIL management for having faith and trust in IIT Delhi’s scientific and engineering capabilities and for extending financial support for projects in diverse areas such as batteries, communications, and applications robots, with the promise of covering more areas in the future as needed.

To amplify the impact of this partnership, IIT Delhi, supported by THDCIL, will leverage its expertise to engage with national and international agencies, targeting both basic and translational research solutions. The institute plans to involve more faculty members from relevant disciplines and effectively disseminate collaborative activities.

This collaboration signifies a momentous step forward in the realms of research, innovation, and technological progress. The partnership between THDCIL and IIT Delhi has the potential to yield groundbreaking solutions across various industries and domains, as stated by the THDCIL CMD.

THDCIL is one of the nation’s premier power generators, boasting an installed capacity of 1587 MW, with notable projects including the Tehri Dam and HPP (1000 MW) in Uttarakhand, the Koteshwar HEP (400 MW), wind power projects of 50 MW at Patan and 63 MW at Dwarka in Gujarat, the 24 MW Dhukwan Small Hydro Project in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, and the 50 MW Solar Power Project at Kasaragod, Kerala.

This collaboration promises to be a milestone in the pursuit of cutting-edge research and development, positioning THDCIL and IIT Delhi at the forefront of innovation and scientific discovery in India.