ABB Power Grids India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Technology Warangal (NITW), Telangana, for cooperation to drive smart electric grid technology education, skills development and research activities.
India’s electric grid is transforming with the penetration of renewables and need for reliable power under the ‘One Nation – One Grid – One Frequency’ roadmap. The government is striving to provide 24×7 power for all the households, while honoring its climate commitments and Sustainable Development Goals. A smart grid can help balance both, facilitating a safe, cost-effective, clean and reliable power network.
For a nation-wide smart electric grid, India’s education system and future talent play a vital role. In recognizing this need, ABB Power Grids India has partnered with the Department of Electrical Engineering of NITW to develop a unique Master of Technology (M.Tech) program in Smart Electric Grid (SEG) from the current academic year.
“This is an important partnership that will strengthen collaboration between academia and industry,” said N Venu, Managing Director, ABB Power Grids India. “Building the right talent pool is crucial for building a sustainable grid of the future. And we are really pleased to be partnering with NITW to achieve higher levels of technical excellence in this domain. This is part of our continued focus on education and skill development – aligned with initiatives such as Skill India – and will help advance efforts in bringing power to all while cutting carbon emissions,” he added.
NITW has dedicated itself to creating a healthy academic environment and attuning education, research and technological advancements with societal aspirations. Its mission is to impart quality education to produce globally competent electrical engineers, advance the development of cutting-edge and sustainable technologies and nurture scientific temperament, professional ethics and industrial collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. N V Ramana Rao, Director, NITW, said: “The development of India’s power network has become a driving force in meeting the demand for rapid growth in urban and rural areas. Our aim is to create the right educational framework and environment that enables a cleaner, greener and smarter grid. We are extremely glad to have partnered with the best in industry for this endeavor.”
The pioneering technology company will help NITW create a socially-relevant and yet internationally-acceptable curriculum, implement innovative and effective teaching methodologies and sharpen focus on the wholesome development of students at the Institute over the next five years. In addition to crafting the course content for the program, ABB Power Grids’ India team will support the Institute in setting up a laboratory for SEG technology and provide internship opportunities for SEG for the M.Tech students and Ph.D scholars.