NTPC showcased a range of renewable energy and sustainability-focused innovations before the high-level delegation, highlighting opportunities for enhanced cooperation between India and Myanmar in the energy sector. The delegation toured NETRA’s advanced pilot facilities, including a 4 MW/1 MWh solar microgrid, a 3 MWh vanadium redox flow battery energy storage system, a green hydrogen hub, and an agri/municipal solid waste gasification-to-power plant. According to NTPC, the visit underscored India’s progress in renewable energy, energy storage, green hydrogen, and waste-to-energy technologies, while paving the way for greater collaboration through technology exchange, capacity building, and sustainable energy development.

The awards were presented in two categories. In Category 1, for young innovators under 38 years of age, Dr Achu Chandran, Principal Scientist, CSIR–NIIST, received the award for his pioneering research on a ‘Nano Electricity Generator’, along with a citation, trophy and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. In Category 2, NTPC’s R&D wing, NETRA, was honoured for its significant research advancements in ‘Green Use of Coal Technologies’. Shri Shaswattam, Executive Director (NETRA), accepted the award on behalf of the team, which included a citation, trophy and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood highlighted the strong link between energy consumption and human development, noting India’s need to scale up per capita energy use to support its aspiration of becoming a $5 trillion economy. Dr Suresh Prabhu underscored the evolving energy innovation landscape and lauded Dr D V Kapur’s visionary leadership in establishing the awards. Dr Anil Kakodkar emphasised the rigorous selection process and the critical role of senior leaders in mentoring young innovators. The Foundation reiterated its commitment to fostering indigenous research and innovation to strengthen India’s clean energy transition.

Bengaluru, 15^th December 2025: Honouring the exemplary technological innovations in addressing India’s rising energy demands and supporting long-term sustainability targets, D V Kapur Foundation organized the First DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards at SCOPE Complex in New Delhi on 12^th December 2025.

Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt of India, felicitated the winners. The ceremony was also graced by Dr Suresh Prabhu, former Union Minister & Chairman, DV Kapur Foundation; Padma Vibhushan, Dr Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Chairman of the Grand Jury; Dr D V Kapur, Founder of the Foundation and founder Chairman of NTPC Ltd; Shri R V Shahi, Former Secretary (MoP) and a Trustee Member of DV Kapur Foundation and a Member of the Grand Jury, Dr Ajay Mathur, former DG, International Solar Alliance; and Dr Rangan Banerjee, Director (IIT-Delhi), NTPC’s top leadership; and energy sector leaders.

The awards were presented in two categories: Category 1 for young innovators under the age of 38, while Category 2 consisted of awards for individuals or organizations for tech innovation.

Dr Achu Chandran, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIIST received the award carrying a citation, trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh in Category 1 for his research in the field of ‘Nano Electricity Generator’.

NTPC’s R&D wing, NETRA, bagged the award in Category 2 for research advancement in the field of ‘Green Use of Coal Technologies’. Shri Shaswattam, ED (NETRA), along with his team, received the award carrying a citation, trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 10 Lakhs.

The D V Kapur Foundation stands committed to promoting technological innovation in the energy sector, supporting research, development, and indigenous solutions that strengthen India’s clean energy transition.

In his address Prof Ajay Kumar Sood pointed out that the Indian economy serves nearly 18 per cent of the world’s population while pursuing the goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy. Drawing a direct link between development and energy use, he noted that the Human Development Index of a country is closely tied to energy consumption. India’s average HDI stands at 0.67, compared to around 0.9 in developed countries. At present, India consumes about 21 gigajoules of energy per person per year, while catching up would require nearly 56 gigajoules, he added emphasising on a clear call for action. Further, he stated how India’s landscape for innovation is changing for deep tech research with introduction of Anusandhan National Research Foundation by Govt of India leading to Viksit Bharat.

Dr Suresh Prabhu in his address emphasized the changing paradigm in Energy innovations deeply praising the inspiring role of Dr DV Kapur in NTPC as founder Chairman and noble thought of establishing the awards under DVKF.

Dr Anil Kakodkar threw light upon the rigor of selection process for awards and insisted that role of senior leader is to mentor, guide and support the innovators especially the youth to come forward in nation building and setting the true path of development.

The glittering award ceremony was attended by several energy stalwarts and dignitaries.

Shri Shaswattam, ED (NETRA) receiving the award in Category-2

Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt of India, addressing First DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards ceremony