IREDA Organizes Interactive Session on Energy Literacy with “Solar Man of India”

Renowned professor from IIT Bombay and founder of the Energy Swaraj Foundation, Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, known as the “Solar Man of India,” spoke about the severity of climate change and the importance of being a part of the solution at an interactive session on “Energy Literacy.” The event was organized by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) as part of the celebrations commemorating 36 years of IREDA.

Prof. Solanki emphasized the need to understand climate change and limit energy use through the ‘AMG principle – Avoid, Minimize, and Generate.’ He encouraged avoiding energy consumption as much as possible, minimizing energy use through efficient appliances, and generating energy locally through distributed production as part of ‘Energy Swaraj.’

He warned that fossil fuels contribute to almost 80-85% of energy and that the planet is already 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer compared to the pre-industrial era. He cautioned that we must take drastic measures to limit warming to ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, beyond which the changes will be irreversible.

As a token of appreciation, Prof. Solanki presented a Climate Clock to Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, IREDA, for the organization’s role in promoting Renewable Energy in India and creating a sustainable energy future. CMD, IREDA expressed his gratitude for Prof. Solanki’s dedication to promoting Solar energy and acknowledged his significant contributions to energy literacy. He emphasized the importance of immediate action to reduce greenhouse gases as shown by the Climate Clock, which illustrates the current emission trends that could lead to 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming.

The event saw enthusiastic and active participation from IREDA employees and their family members.