ANERT's Transformation: Kerala's Leap Towards Green Energy and Skill Development
Key Ideas
- ANERT in Kerala is evolving into a Knowledge Hub for Renewable Energy focusing on research, innovation, and green hydrogen infrastructure.
- The initiative includes research fellowships, internships, and training programmes to address the shortage of skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector.
- Collaborations with global agencies like GIZ Germany and SIDA will enable Faculty Development Programmes and high-end training for academics.
- The Green Energy Hub project by ANERT will pioneer green hydrogen initiatives and offer Viability Gap Funding for cost-effective hydrogen generation.
Kerala's Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) has received administrative approval to transform into a Knowledge Hub for Renewable Energy. The focus of this transformation is on advancing research, innovation, and green hydrogen infrastructure. ANERT plans to provide research fellowships and internships to postgraduates in science and engineering to address the shortage of skilled manpower in the renewable energy sector. Training programmes will cover emerging subjects such as AI, ML, circular economy, hydrogen energy, and blockchain. Collaborations with global agencies like GIZ Germany and SIDA will facilitate Faculty Development Programmes and short-term training. Notably, ANERT's Green Energy Hub project will drive initiatives on green hydrogen production, storage, and refuelling. A Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen will be established in partnership with institutions like IITs and CSIR labs. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will be provided to ensure efficient hydrogen generation from renewable sources. The total funding needed for the current year is ₹6.5 crore, with a significant portion allocated for state share and project overheads. These initiatives signify Kerala's commitment to green energy transition and skill enhancement in the renewable energy sector.