OPTCL, IIT-Bhubaneswar Sign MoU

Picture courtesy: Odisha Diary

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar signed an MoU on Friday to establish OPTCL Chair position in IIT Bhubaneswar in presence of Odisha Energy Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra.

“It is indeed a historic moment for Odisha to collaborate with premiere institute like IIT for development of Odisha Power Sector. We are happy to know that IIT is not only confined to academic service but also extended its arm for the development of the State. This Industry-Institute interface will be a win-win situation for both with regards to research & development and enhancement of technical knowhow,” Mishra was quoted as saying in his address.

OPTCL Chairman Saurabh Garg and Bhubaneswar IIT Director Professor RV Rajakumar, OPTCL MD Sanjeev Singh, GRIDCO MD Trilochan Panda, Functional Directors of OPTCL & GRIDCO and Senior faculties from the IIT were present on the occasion.

The MoU was signed between Dean R&D Professor Dr Sujit Roy of IIT-Bhubaneswar and Director (HRD) Raghunath Pratihari on behalf of OPTCL.

According to OPTCL Chairman Saurabh Garg, the IIT would be a troubleshooter for various technical issues surfacing in the Power Sector.

“Apart from the education, IIT Bhubaneswar is committed for the local area and social development through structured intervention. This Chair will act as an extended arm of R&D wing for Odisha Power Sector. These synergies are sure to create lasting impact in addressing key issues pertaining power sector. We also assure that the proposed Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy & SMART Grid will provide an amalgamation to both academics and industry in general” Professor RV Raja Kumar said.

OPTCL Director (HRD) Ragunath Pratihari stressed on the importance of collaboration in modern development scenario. This OPTCL Chair will be a common platform for  addressing issues in both academics and industry.

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