The International Workshop on Energy Efficiency, Conservation & Transition for Net Zero and Sustainable Development Goals, hosted at the Energy Management Centre (EMC) Kerala, and CECFEE being one of the knowledge partners, brought together experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the Global South and beyond. Over two days, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue on advancing energy efficiency, renewable adoption, and innovative strategies for achieving Net Zero and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Day 1 | 9 September 2025

The workshop opened with an inaugural ceremony at the EMC Kerala.

• Shri. Puneet Kumar IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Power, welcomed delegates, emphasizing Kerala’s strong policy direction towards sustainability.

• The workshop was inaugurated by Shri. K. Krishnankutty, Hon’ble Minister for Electricity, Government of Kerala, who outlined the state’s initiatives in renewable energy, hydropower strengthening, and energy conservation financing, while calling for global cooperation towards Net Zero transition.

Other distinguished contributions included:

• Shri. Kadakampally Surendran, MLA – Presidential Address

• Dr. Amitava Bandopadhyay, DG, NAM S&T Centre – Opening Remarks

• Dr. K. Ravi Raman, Member, Kerala State Planning Board – Special Address

• Shri. G. Vinod, Chief Electrical Inspector – Felicitations

• Mr. Soumya Garnaik, Country Head, GGGI India and Dr. Sunita Purushottam, GBPN India – Distinguished Presence

• Dr. R. Harikumar, Director, EMC Kerala – Vote of Thanks

Technical Sessions – Day 1

Experts from Africa, Asia, and Europe shared diverse perspectives on energy efficiency and clean technologies:

• Eng. Kimari Main Patrick (Kenya) – Energy Efficiency in Tea Sector

• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Hamza (Egypt) – Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy 2040

• Mr. Soumya Garnaik (India) – Low Carbon Buildings Policy

• PwC India – Buildings Sector Energy Modelling

• Mr. David R. Nicol (UK) – Battery Energy Storage Systems

• Prof. Dr. Mokhzaini Azizan (Malaysia) – Time-of-Use Tariffs

• Mr. Proud Mundenda (Zimbabwe) – Digital Energy Markets

• Mr. Aby Joseph (India) – Interconnected Microgrids

• Dr. Sunita Purushottam (India) – Net Zero Carbon Ready Buildings

• Dr. Thiri Shwe Yi Win (Myanmar) – Renewable Energy Transition

• Dr. Henry Chemba (Zambia, Online) – Localized EV Batteries

• Mr. Murthy D S (IIT Bombay) – Perovskite Solar Cells

• Mr. Rajeev K R (EMC Kerala) – Hydropower in India & Kerala’s Energy Mix

• Mr. Tomson Sebastian (EMC Kerala) – Energy Efficient Building Strategies

• Mr. Anoop Surendran (EMC Kerala) – Energy Conservation Funds & Innovative Financing

• Mr. Sarath Krishnan S (EMC Kerala) – Standards & Labelling Schemes of BEE

The day concluded as a confluence of innovation, global expertise, and collective vision, reinforcing the importance of South–South cooperation for Net Zero and SDGs.

Day 2 | 10 September 2025

Day 2 focused on collaboration, innovation, and shared challenges across the Global South.

Technical Session 4

• Mr. K Premkumar (ANERT, Kerala) – Green Hydrogen Economy & its Future

• Mr. Roshan Pandey (NAST, Nepal) – Electrification and Net-Zero Transition in Nepal

• Prof. Mohammad Khalil Elahee (University of Mauritius) – Sustainable Energy Management & Mauritius’ SDG/NDC 3.0 Targets

• Mr. Shravan Kumar Koobarawa (Polutechics, Mauritius) – Energy Efficiency & Transition for Net Zero & SDGs

• Prof. E. Somanathan (Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi) – Learnings from the Anganjyothi Program on Induction Stove Adoption

Panel Discussion

Theme: Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Transition for Achieving Net Zero and Sustainable Development Goals

Chair: Dr. R. Harikumar

Panelists:

• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Hamza (ASRT, Egypt)

• Prof. Mohammad Khalil Elahee (University of Mauritius)

• Eng. Kimari Main Patrick (Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya)

• Shri. K Premkumar (ANERT, Kerala)

• Smt. Asha P. A., Chief Engineer (REES), KSEBL

• Sri. Joby P. K., Assistant Electrical Inspector, Government of Kerala

The discussion underscored the value of South–South knowledge exchange and joint strategies for sustainable development.

Valedictory Session

Reflections and closing remarks were delivered by:

• Dr. (Prof.) RVG Menon, Vice Chairman, EMC Kerala

• Dr. R. Harikumar, Director, EMC Kerala

• Dr. Amitava Bandopadhyay, DG, NAM S&T Centre, New Delhi

• With the presence of Prof. E. Somanathan, Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi

The event concluded with certificate distribution, followed by a cultural programme and networking dinner, celebrating both learning and collaboration.

The workshop served as a dynamic platform for the Global South, uniting stakeholders across continents to exchange knowledge, share innovations, and chart collective pathways towards Net Zero and the SDGs. Kerala leveraged this opportunity to build strong partnerships and reaffirm its commitment to a sustainable future. 🌱