Sunday, May 17, 2009

International Workshop on Energy Challenges in J&K State

Taking forward its mission of building the technical ingenuity of state, the department of geology and geophysics , University of Kashmir, University of Jammu and University College London is holding a 3-Day workshop on "Energy Challenges in J&K state: a case for the Energy Research Institute" from 20-22nd May, 2009 at the University of Kashmir.

Dr. Shakil A. Romshoo , Dept. of Geology and Geophysics organizer of the international workshop said that the main objective of the 3 day international workshop is to discuss the challenges in the exploitation and development of energy resources in the state including the hydropower . Dr Romshoo added that the international conference is being attended by a score of foreign experts from USA, UK, Italy, Australia and a number of other national experts. The workshop shall provide a unique opportunity to academia, GO’s, NGO’s and civil society to discuss the challenges, concerns and environmental issues related to all forms of renewable and non-renewable energy resources in the state. . The 3-day international workshop on Energy resources shall help us to identify the opportunities available at the national and international level for developing power projects under the Clean Development Mechanism CDM said Dr Shakil A Romshoo.

Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Prof Riyaz Punjabi who took his personal interest in holding this international workshop hoped that the workshop shall help to develop a model for the establishment of a new Energy Institute in Jammu and Kashmir State

The University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the University of Jammu and University College London has roped in reputed international institutes for promoting the environmental friendly development of the energy resources in the state. In place to mention here that a working document outlining recommendations for an action plan will be jointly prepared by the core group including the invited experts at the conclusion of the workshop.

Individuals interested in attending the proceedings of the workshop is requested to contact organizer of the international workshop Dr. Shakil A. Romshoo at the Dept. of Geology and Geophysics.


JU to launch Energy Efficiency Campaign for Kashmiri children

Kashmir children to get a feel of global warming, energy efficiency
In a major event, first of its kind in Kashmir valley, the University of Jammu in collaboration with Maghreb Petroleum Research Group, University College London, Department of Education, Jammu and Kashmir government and S.P. College Srinagar is organizing Eni Children’s Education Programme on “Petroleum Geology, Global Warming and Energy Efficiency Campaign” on Tuesday, 19th May 2009 at Srinagar.
This one-day workshop which is scheduled to held at S. P College Srinagar on Tuesday, would be attended by over 200 school children from Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama and all other districts of Kashmir valley and accompanying teachers from various schools. Acclaimed scientists and researchers from all over the world are also converging in Srinagar for the event.
Professor Varun Sahni, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu who himself is an internationally acclaimed defense analyst would inaugurate the workshop at S. P. College Srinagar. Mr. Franco Conticini, General Manager, Eni India, would also address the students.
The focus of the workshop is to provide essential basic education in Geosciences to the school children of Kashmir valley. Kashmir, as such, is already witnessing impact of global warming; the glaciers in the region are melting and the temperature is also rising. There is a very little snowfall in the valley since past few years due to global warming.
As there is a limited awareness among the school children on such themes, the most important component of the lecture series and exercises in this workshop for valley children would be to make them aware about the critical global issues of the current energy crisis, depleting fossil fuel resources, alternative energy resources, energy efficiency and global warming. 
Dr. Jonathan Craig, Vice-President, Regional Studies and Exploration Opportunities Selection, E&P Division, Eni S.p.A. Milan would speak to the children regarding petroleum geology which would be followed by simple exercises for the students.
Another practical session would include a lecture by Dr Jonathan Craig on global warming followed by the more exercises for the students.
Never before any such an initiative has been taken in Kashmir Valley. It is first programme of its kind to address these issues with the new generation in Kashmir valley. 
The University of Jammu, in collaboration with Eni India, has already organized five Eni Children’s Education Program aimed at educating students at Jammu, Kargil, Leh,Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The Eni is a major integrated energy company, committed to growth in the activities of finding, producing, transporting, transforming and marketing oil and gas. The Company has global operations in 70 countries.
This education programme organized so far in Jammu, Kargil and Leh in Jammu and Kashmir and Jodhpur in Rajasthan has been a resounding success. The programmes, especially in Leh and Jodhpur made a visible impact on the lives and perception of the children involved. 
Away from the routine violence and related themes, the children, for the first time would also make poster presentations on the themes of global warming, energy conservation etc.
Professor G. M. Bhat, University of Jammu who is the Principal Convenor, EEC informed that the University of Jammu has already chalked out the plan of setting up of Energy Institute in the University in co-operation with Eni Corporate University Milan, EGI, University of Utah and MPRG, University College London.  
To develop skills, the Jammu University has been offered partnerships/collaboration, by the overseas training providers, to jointly organise courses in the energy related disciplines like exploration, conservation and waste management of biofuels, informed professor Bhat.
This event would be followed by a three-day international workshop on "Energy Challenges in Jammu and Kashmir State: A case study for the Energy Research Institute" being organised jointly by University of Kashmir, University of Jammu and Maghreb Petroleum Research Group, University College London at University of Kashmir from May 20 to 22nd 2009.
Several foreign specialists from USA, UK, Italy and Australia besides experts from other Indian states will attend the seminar and present papers related to the latest research done in energy resources.