Deakin University has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to launch the Australia-India Centre for Energy (AICE), a virtual centre established by a consortium of Australian and Indian universities, research institutions and energy businesses.
AICE will promote collaboration in transdisciplinary research, education and training. It will work towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
The virtual centre was formally launched during the IIT Madras Energy Summit 2022 held in Chennai, India.
Deakin Associate Dean, International and Partnerships, Professor Bas Baskaran said the centre would bring together multi-disciplinary capabilities from Australian and Indian partners to work on translational research and build capabilities to address the global energy challenge.
"It will also be a catalyst to develop partnerships with other centres in South Asia and ASEAN regions to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for global challenges," Professor Baskaran said.
Deakin and IIT Madras will take the lead in driving and coordinating engagement to grow collaborations between government departments, funding agencies and individual researchers in both countries. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission will also help foster industry partnerships between AICE and the energy sector in both countries.
IIT Madras Dean (Global Engagement) Professor Raghunathan Rengaswamy said IIT Madras was delighted to be one of the founding institutes in this extremely important decarbonisation initiative being jointly pursued by Australia and India.
The key focus areas of AICE will be to develop:
- Joint educational programs
- Online courses
- Joint degree programs
- Capacity building through certification programs and diplomas, extension centres and training
Australian Consul-General for South India Sarah Kirlew said Australia and India were comprehensive strategic partners, with close cooperation across areas of strategic importance, including critical minerals, clean technology, education, and innovation.
"Our two countries are home to world-leading innovators and researchers. I welcome this new university-led Australia-India Centre for Energy and the work it will do to grow new partnerships and collaborations to accelerate the development and deployment of the cutting-edge technologies we need to support the energy transition and access to energy for all," Ms Kirlew said.
