The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) to enhance sustainable energy usage in healthcare research, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
This collaboration aims to equip ICMR institutes nationwide with solar power, supporting India’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, according to an official announcement from the Union health ministry.
As part of the agreement, NVVN will be responsible for supplying, installing, testing, commissioning, and maintaining rooftop solar panels at 15 ICMR institutes, totaling a capacity of 4,559 kW. The project also establishes a power purchase agreement (PPA) for grid-connected solar initiatives, which guarantees a fixed solar tariff for 25 years, ensuring long-term cost-effectiveness and sustainability for its operations.
Seven institutes are already benefiting from solar installations from previous initiatives, and this new MoU with NVVN will extend solar energy solutions to additional facilities, significantly decreasing the it’s carbon emissions and energy costs.
This partnership supports India’s national renewable energy objectives, promoting a sustainable future in healthcare research and positioning the ICMR as a leader in adopting green energy practices within the biomedical sector.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is India’s premier organization for the promotion and coordination of biomedical research. Established in 1911, ICMR operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and plays a pivotal role in addressing the country’s health challenges through scientific research. It supports and conducts studies on a wide range of health issues, from communicable and non-communicable diseases to nutrition and environmental health.
ICMR has been instrumental in advancing public health policies, vaccine development, and disease control strategies. It also collaborates with international health agencies and institutions to tackle global health challenges and improve healthcare in India.
