The Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) is strengthening its position as a national leader in renewable energy. After helping set standards for solar cookers, the university is now playing a key role in updating India’s rules for solar water heaters.
Prof Sanjay Kumar Samdarshi, Head of CUJ’s Energy Engineering Department, has been chosen to lead a panel set up by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This expert group will review and improve the current norms for solar water heaters, making them more energy-efficient and suitable for today’s climate and usage patterns.
The panel includes experts from IIT-Bombay, the National Institute of Solar Energy, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and representatives from companies like Emmvee, V-Guard, Reckon Solar, and the Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI).
Prof Samdarshi also leads CUJ’s Centre of Excellence – Green and Efficient Energy Technology (CoE-GEET), the only government-recognised green energy research center in Jharkhand. The centre works on global-level research and has already developed ideas being considered for national policies.
In addition, Prof Samdarshi is the only professor from any central university to serve on the Ministry of Education’s National Task Force on Energy Education. This team is drafting new course content to prepare students for the growing green energy job market.
The task force recently presented its draft at a national workshop held at IIT Delhi. CUJ played a leading role in the event, with Prof Samdarshi chairing a key session. This reflects CUJ’s rising influence in shaping India’s energy future.
“This is a proud moment for the university and the state of Jharkhand,” said CUJ Vice Chancellor Prof Kshiti Bhusan Das, praising Prof Samdarshi’s dual role in BIS and the task force.
CUJ was also the first central university to offer an undergraduate degree in Energy Engineering. While most programmes in this field are offered by IITs or private institutes like the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, CUJ’s course is known for its solid curriculum and research focus. Over the past 14 years, it has trained students who now work in important energy sectors in India and abroad.
With strong research and growing policy involvement, CUJ’s Energy Engineering Department is not only boosting the university’s reputation but also helping shape the future of India’s green energy efforts.