Development of the digital transformation of energy / water /environmental systems and networks by designing, implementing and testing interoperable technical, business, market and communication  protocol  for the green energy transition. The focus is to establish science and technology hub/ living lab that focus on sustainable technologies development for rural area, creates awareness about sustainable environmental technologies and offers training to marginal communities as well as cross sector ally explore the nexus of water with energy, food and health.

Programmes:

1. Programme on Energy Storage Solutions (MICall19)

DST is collaborating with Joint Programming Platform ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems (JPP-SES) and Mission Innovation (MI) in the joint call on Energy Storage Solutions (MICall19).

The Joint Call 2019 (MICall19) addresses challenges of secure and resilient energy supply with upto 100% renewables with a main focus on the development of integrated storage systems. The programme contributes to the development of sustainable, integrated storage solutions for both short- and long-term storage. Solutions employing electrical, electrochemical, material, thermal and/or mechanical storage can be developed and shall enable collaboration between stakeholders. The solutions shall contribute to solving challenges defined by Mission Innovation. The programme also considers adoption by addressing market and regulation topics to identify and involve need-owners in development.

2. Digitalisation of Energy Systems and Networks (MICall20)

Transforming the global landscape of energy supply and solutions towards a decarbonised, secure and resilient energy system will need holistic system solutions incorporating technologies that can be replicated and scaled. Digital technologies are tools to enable energy systems around the world to be more connected, intelligent, efficient and reliable and by including renewable energy sources, also more sustainable. The digital transformation is therefore expected to have wide effects on the future design of energy systems.

However, while digitalisation can bring many positive effects, it can also make energy systems more vulnerable. It remains to be discovered how this evolution will affect the energy transition and how we can ensure that the effects contribute to increased sustainability. The overall objective of the programme is to support transnational research and innovation activities unleashing the potential of digital transformation for a sustainable energy society.

3. Integrated Technology Interventions for Sustainable Environment (ITISE)

Several parts of the country are facing severe environmental challenges. These challenges can be effectively addressed by indigenous research led technological solutions.  As a society, it is required to identify environmental challenges (eg. energy, water, air etc) and develop solutions through science & engineering and implement through governance, technological, economic and social measures that will set a course towards the achievement of a desirable, sustainable and secure future.

Technological solutions for sustainable environment are interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional in nature. Integration of such solutions is the need of the hour. The Initiative aims to mount/ integrate S&T interventions specifically to address prevalent environmental (energy, water & air) challenges for improvement in environment. The participation of user agency should be ensured right from the beginning for designing and implementation of such solutions.

4. Industrial Waste Water

Industry is one of the major users of water and optimal water use in this sector is critical for overall water management issue. The focus of this programme is on Joint Research and Development, where R&D and private sector work together to design generic solutions for optimal water management in industrial sector. These research leads and solutions are expected to generate best practices for wider adoption with issues like water distribution, conservation, budgeting, optimum uses of water near Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), reuse and recycling.The program also attempts to cater Industrial requirements for the effluents’ treatment.