Puducherry: A two-day National Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Sustainability (NCGETS-2025), a UNESCO Chair activity, began at Pondicherry University(PU) on Thursday.

The event, held at the Convention-cum-Cultural Centre, was inaugurated with the University Anthem.

Prof. R. Arun Prasath, UNESCO Chairholder and Convenor, welcomed dignitaries, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Phanithi Prakash Babu, chief guest Dr. N. Sivasubramanian (ISRO Retd.), and Prof. Ravi Kumar Asthana (BHU). Representatives from IISc, IITs, CSIR, and other institutions participated.

Prof. Arun Prasath emphasized the urgency of shifting from fossil fuels to cleaner energy solutions to combat climate change and energy security challenges. He highlighted advancements in solar, wind, bio-energy, hydrogen energy, and carbon capture technologies. The department's green energy initiatives, including its solar campus project, were also showcased.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Prakash Babu lauded the university's contributions to renewable energy research. The event featured a plenary lecture by IISc's Prof. Aninda Jiban Bhattacharya and multiple expert sessions.

The conference, supported by government agencies and industry partners, aims to drive collaboration and innovation in sustainable energy. It concludes on March 21.