India and the US have announced a $125-million joint fund to carry out combined research in the field of clean energy.
Three institutions each from India and the US have been selected for the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre (JCERDC), which is part of the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy, announced during the November 2009 visit of US President, Mr Barack Obama, to India.
While the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; the University of Florida; and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been selected from the US, the three Indian institutions are the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad; and CEPT University, Ahmedabad.
Consortia researchers will leverage their expertise and resources in solar technology, advanced bio-fuels and building efficiency to unlock the potential of clean energy technologies that can reduce energy use, cut dependence on foreign oil, and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources, the US Department of Energy said.
“This innovative research programme will help promote clean energy, create jobs, and open export opportunities for US business,” said Mr David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs in the Department of Energy.
“By bringing some of our best scientific and technical minds together, we can strengthen both our great nations,” Mr Sandalow said.
As part of a planned five-year initiative, the Energy Department will make $5 million available in fiscal year 2012. The Department plans to make additional requests to Congress for up to $20 million over the next four years.
India has committed to funding $25 million over five years that will be used to support work by Indian institutions and individuals.
In addition, US and Indian consortia members have pledged over $75 million in matching funds for a combined funding total of more than $125 million for joint research and development in solar energy, advanced bio-fuels and building energy efficiency.
In solar energy, the consortium’s research will focus on sustainable photovoltaics, multi-scale concentrated solar power, and solar energy integration.
In addition, the consortium will focus on development of sustainable advanced lignocellulosic bio-fuel systems.
They will also focus on the integration of information technology with building controls and physical systems for commercial and high-rise residential buildings.