Sustainable Nitte

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Sustainable Development Goal 7 envisions a world where everyone has access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy. Yet millions still live without electricity, and billions rely on polluting fuels that harm health and accelerate climate change. Energy inequality, especially in rural areas, continues to slow progress. With advancing technologies and supportive policies making renewable energy more accessible, the transition to clean energy offers a powerful opportunity to improve lives, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and build a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

The University is guided by a strong vision to progressively reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and transition toward clean energy. To support this goal, rooftop solar panels with a total installed capacity of 519.69 KW at the Mangalore campus have been strategically placed across the campus to maximize solar power generation. The University has also entered into open access agreements for the procurement of clean energy from hydro, wind, and solar sources with M/s. Solarsys Non-Conventional Energy Pvt Ltd, M/s. ReNew Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd. to use clean energy. In 2025, 51% of the total energy consumption, marking significant progress toward the benchmark of meeting two-thirds of its energy needs through renewable sources.

Kitchen waste generated on campus is utilized for biogas production using a 200-litre biogas digester installed near the central kitchen, supporting sustainable waste management and renewable energy generation.

The Biodiesel Centre houses a pilot-scale reactor producing up to 50 litres of biodiesel per batch within 20–24 hours using catalytic processes. Facilities include seed decorticators (30–40 kg/hr), a mechanical oil expeller (20–30 kg/hr), and Bioenergy Research, Information and Demonstration Centre a plate and frame filtration system. Non-edible seed oil and used cooking oil are processed, and the biodiesel is purified for engine use.

A dedicated laboratory tests key fuel parameters—acid value, viscosity, density, flash point, and copper strip corrosion. Additionally, a portable biogas unit (0.1–1 m³)handling 2–3 kg of waste per day is installed at the Bioenergy Centre.

LED bulb: Incandescent lights have been replaced with energy-efficient LED bulbs, and solar water heaters are installed in hostel buildings. DG set synchronization and load management systems ensure optimal power use across campuses, while regular maintenance of electrical equipment is carried out under an annual maintenance contract.

Energy audit: University has achieved a major sustainability milestone by earning Green Audit, Energy Audit and Environment Audit Certifications from PQMS Quality Services Private Limited. Energy audit highlights key energy conservation measures and phased recommendations aimed at improving energy efficiency and productivity across the university campus. Major initiatives include the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, with 519kWp at the Mangalore campus and 525.43kWp at the off-campus location, contributing significantly to clean energy generation and accounting for about 25.43% of total campus electricity consumption.

Electric vehicle: Electric vehicles are used for staff transportation within and outside the campus, and battery-operated buggies are deployed to transport students between hostels and academic and hospital facilities.

Cycle: Bicycles are provided at strategic locations across the campus to facilitate eco-friendly commuting for staff and students.

Blending biodiesel: The University has enabled up to 10% biodiesel blending with diesel for vehicles, with selected buses and staff using biodiesel produced at the Biodiesel Centre for personal vehicle use.

• International conference on “Advances in Renewable energy and electric vehicles” – 6th & 7th February 2025
• University celebrated world biofuel day by conducting an awareness program on biofuels and clean energy at Government Primary School, Nitte on 12th August 2025
• University organized an “Electric Vehicle (EV) Rally” on 17th November 2025 creating public awareness about sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation.
• University organized “Nitte Climate Action Program (NCAP) 2025” on 26th August 2025 focusing on climate change mitigation through innovative approaches in clean energy, pollution control and environmental responsibility
• University conducted 14th edition of the Mega Student Hobby Project Exhibition, “Elixir – Transforming Ideas into Reality”, on 10th and 11th November 2025 promoting innovation and student-led solutions in clean energy and electric mobility.
• Workshop on “Utilization of Cellulosic Biomass for Circular Economy” on 24th October 2025 focusing on the role of biomass-based resources in supporting sustainable and clean energy systems.
• Guest lecture on “Introduction to Electric Vehicles” on 28th May 2025 at St. Joseph’s Engineering College, Mangaluru.
• Technical talk on “EV- An Engineer’s Perspective” conducted at A.J. Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mangaluru on 6th October 2025 creating awareness among third semester students of Electronics and Communication Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
• Industrial visit to the Mani Hydel Power Plant, Hummadagallu Village, Shivamogga District on 19th September 2025 benefitted by 60 students and 2 faculty members.
• Industrial visit to the Varahi Underground Hydro-Electric Project on 16th October 2025 benefitted by 69 students and accompanied faculty members.