About REtopia 2017

REtopia is derived from the English word 'Utopia' referring to an ideal situation or state. The word REtopia extends this concept to the realm of energy. It aims to refer to a world which empowers itself from clean energy sources and lives up to the idea of sustainable development.

REtopia was started by students from M.Tech Renewable Energy Engineering and Management (REEM) of the Department of Energy and Environment at TERI University in the year 2011 as an annual technical conclave. The motive behind this symposium is to bring together students, people from academics, industry and government to emphasize the need of clean technology on techno-commercial and environmental aspects. Inclusive growth of a nation depends on the per capita energy consumption of that nation. For development to be sustainable, delivery of energy services needs to be secure and have low environmental impacts. Renewable energy sources play a vital role in providing energy services in a sustainable manner and, in particular, in mitigating climate change. We, the renewable energy engineers strive towards achieving this global goal with a long vision to mitigate and sustain global harmony on par with nation’s total GDP growth and energy security. With TERI University’s unique programme we are able to excel in interdisciplinary skills, along with the opportunity to focus in specific fields. TERI University is an exemplary organisation providing to the world experts in all disciplines in renewable energy.

REtopia is one of the prestigious fest of the university portraying successfully a variety of RE opportunities, challenges and possible remedies, motivated by a variety of factors, to address these various components of RE integration into the energy system. It provides a platform for experts from various prospects, students and aspirants of RE, developers and researchers, industrialists, stake holders, policy makers and academicians.

In the past, REtopia has been attended by several dignitaries like Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of State with independent Charge for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, Dr. Ashvini Kumar (Director, SECI), Dr. P.C. Maithani (Director, MNRE), Mr. Chintan Shah (President, Suzlon Energy), Mr. Sunil Jain (CEO & Executive Director, Hero Future Energies), Mr. Mukul Sinha (Head- Projects Delivery, Tata Power Solar), Prof. L. M. Das (IIT Delhi), Mr. Sushanta K. Chatterjee (Jt. Chief, Regulatory Affairs, CERC), Dr. Srikanta K. Panigrahi (Director General, Carbon Minus India), Mr Sumant Sinha (CEO ReNew Power) and many more. It has kept growing bigger with each passing year and we take pride in continuing the legacy by presenting to you REtopia 2017.

Events to be held:

1. Expert sessions

• Eminent speakers will discuss about various aspects of Renewable energy sector and also address the challenges faced in this steadily growing industry.

• There will be interaction between the speakers and the audience at the end of each session.

2. Udaan – Ideas of Change

• Entrepreneurs will be invited from various sectors to speak about their start-up, the problems faced by them and how they managed to convert their genuine idea into a successful product.

• This is a unique event to inspire the students for starting an innovative business around sustainability and interact with the entrepreneurs.

3. Parikalpana - Renewable Energy Design Challenge

• Parikalpana is a platform where the participants put their technical knowledge and creative skills to use and come up with a whole new renewable energy design that has a good market potential and is sustainable in the long run.

• It is a chance for young entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas in front of the experts from the RE industry.

4. Yukti - Troubleshooting Renewable Energy Problems

• Yukti gives a platform to the participants to bring forth potential solutions to problems which are raised by academicians and industry professionals in Renewable Energy sector.

• The problem statements will be given by the RE industries and the teams have to give a feasible solution before the jury panel.

5. SUCHNA - SUstainable CHange Narrative

• This is a Snap Story competition to highlight and address challenges in field of energy and environment.

• The participants will have to make an online submission of their snap story in a picture slide show format or video format based on any one of the themes given.

6. Drishtikon – Poster Presentation

• A platform for participants to present their ideas in the form of a poster.

• Posters will be presented by the participants on predefined topics to the jury members.

7. Dhwani – GD and Debate

• Dhwani is a competition where the participants will debate about the various issues pertaining to energy and environment.

• A group discussion will be followed by a debating session for the shortlisted candidates.

REtopia Journey

Figure 2: Hon'ble Union Minister of Power, Mr. Piyush Goyal, in REtopia 2015 inauguration

Figure 1: Hon'ble Union Minister of Power, Mr. Piyush Goyal at the inauguration of REtopia 2014

Figure 2: The inauguration of REtopia 2015

Figure 3: A packed auditorium during REtopia 2016

Figure 4: Release of REmag 2016, the official souvenir of REtopia 2016

Figure 5: Prize distribution ceremony during REtopia 2016

Figure 3: Panelists during Udaan (formerly Sustainovation) during REtopia 2016

Figure 4: The judges’ panel during one of the competitions in REtopia 2016