ME and CE Departments Jointly Organize Five-Day FDP on “Energy Efficiency Strategies for a Greener Planet”

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science & Technology (VAST), Thrissur, in association with The
Institution of Engineers (India) (IE(I)), the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), and the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE), successfully organized a Five-Day Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on ” Energy Efficiency Strategies for a Greener Planet” from 21 to 25 April 2025.
The FDP aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy systems, hydrogen mobility, advanced fuel systems, green technologies, decarbonization
strategies, and sustainable engineering practices. The programme brought together distinguished academicians and industry experts who shared their expertise on emerging technologies and their applications in engineering education and industry. Faculty members from engineering colleges, research scholars, postgraduate students, and industry professionals actively participated in the programme.
The inaugural session, held on 21 April 2025, commenced with a prayer followed by a welcome address by Dr. Rakesh Hari, Professor & Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering. The
presidential address was delivered by Dr. Sunitha C., Principal, VAST, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions in engineering education and industrial practice. Mr. Shankar R., Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering and FDP Coordinator, introduced the Chief Guest, Dr. S. H. Anilkumar, Dean (PG Studies & Research), Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering (SCTCE), Thiruvananthapuram, who formally inaugurated the programme. The function also included felicitation by Adv. P. N. Unnirajan, Director–Administration, Vidya International Charitable Trust (VICT), and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ranjith E. R., Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering and FDP Co-coordinator.

Day 1 – Emerging Trends in Sustainable Energy (21 April 2025)
The first day featured sessions on Emerging Trends in Renewable Energy Integration in Engineering and Hydrogen Mobility: Technology Bottlenecks and Breakthroughs. Dr. S. H. Anilkumar discussed recent advancements in renewable energy technologies and their integration into engineering systems, while Dr. G. Mohan, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SCTCE, elaborated on hydrogen mobility, production pathways, and its role in the global clean energy transition. Participants gained insights into future energy systems and sustainable transportation technologies.
Day 2 – Green Technologies and Sustainable Engineering (22 April 2025)
The second day's sessions focused on Green Technologies and Practices for Sustainability in Engineering and Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Buildings and Infrastructure. Dr. K. B. Radhakrishnan, Professor & Head, Department of Biotechnology, SCTCE, highlighted innovative green technologies that support sustainable industrial development. Dr. Beena Puthillath, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, SCMS, Ernakulam, discussed the latest developments in solar photovoltaic systems and their applications in buildings and infrastructure.
Day 3 – Energy-Efficient Transportation and Fuel Systems (23 April 2025)
The third day addressed Energy Aspects of Electric Vehicles (EVs), Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs), and Net Zero Infrastructure, followed by a session on the Evolution of Fuel Supply Systems. Dr. K. K. Ramachandran, Professor (Retired), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Thrissur, explained the challenges and opportunities associated with next- generation transportation technologies. Dr. Chithrakumar V. K., Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SCTCE, discussed recent innovations in fuel systems supporting energy efficiency and emission reduction.
Day 4 – Industrial Decarbonization and Energy Infrastructure (24 April 2025)
The fourth day featured industry-oriented sessions on Decarbonization Pathways for the Refining Sector and Energy Aspects of Small Hydroelectric Projects: Planning, Design and Civil Structures.
Mr. Divin K., Senior Manager (Energy), BPCL Kochi Refinery, shared practical approaches adopted by the refining industry to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Mr. P. Ravindra Menon, Former Projects Manager, Andritz Hydro Pvt. Ltd. & VA Tech EWF, explained the planning, design, and civil engineering aspects of small hydroelectric projects, highlighting their contribution to sustainable energy generation.
Day 5 – Energy Conservation and Valedictory Session (25 April 2025)
The final day focused on the Importance of Energy Conservation, Clean Energy, and Net Zero Initiatives. Mr. K. R. Rajeev, Energy Technologist, Energy Management Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, emphasized practical energy conservation measures, policy initiatives, and strategies for achieving net-zero goals in engineering and industry. The programme concluded with a valedictory session, during which participants shared their feedback and e-certificates were distributed to those who successfully completed the FDP. The programme was jointly convened by Dr. Rakesh Hari, Professor & Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Abhilasha P. S., Professor & Head, Department of Civil Engineering. The FDP was coordinated by Mr. Shankar R., Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Ms. Chithra M., Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, with Mr. Ranjith E. R., Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, serving as the Co-coordinator. Faculty members from both departments worked together to ensure the successful
organization of the programme. The five-day FDP successfully strengthened participants’ understanding of sustainable energy technologies, renewable energy systems, green engineering practices, and decarbonization strategies. It also reinforced the institution’s commitment to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering while
fostering innovation and sustainability in engineering education and research.