CSIR-National Physical Laboratory Hosts International Workshop on Net Zero Technologies

The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) in New Delhi, India, serving as the National Measurement Institute (NMI) of the country, is set to host a two-day International Workshop on Advanced Materials Challenges and Standardization for Net Zero Technologies from October 9th to 10th, 2023.

This event comes at a crucial time as climate change remains a pressing global concern. In response, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has called for global greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced to net zero by 2050. The workshop aims to facilitate discussions among national and international experts and researchers on advanced materials, technologies, and standards critical for achieving this net zero target while addressing the challenges posed by global climate change.

Distinguished scientists and researchers from around the world are participating in this workshop, sharing their insights and expertise in various domains, including energy generation, materials for energy storage, energy-efficient technologies, and materials contributing to a circular economy for sustainable development.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director of CSIR-NPL. Prof. Achanta underscored the vital role played by CSIR labs in the development of advanced materials and technologies needed to achieve the net zero target. He also noted that the workshop would be followed by the VAMAS steering committee meeting-48, scheduled to take place at CSIR-NPL from October 11th to 12th, 2023.

Following Prof. Achanta's opening address, Prof. Fernando Castro, VAMAS Chair from NPL-UK, addressed the participants, shedding light on the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) and its role in standardizing advanced materials to support global trade. Prof. Castro emphasized the urgent requirement for net zero technologies to combat the catastrophic impacts of climate change. He stressed the importance of materials metrology, precise measurements, and the need for standard organizations to establish guidelines for new materials.

The chief guest at the event, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary DSIR and Director General of CSIR, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the necessity of advanced materials for net zero technologies. She called for collective efforts to develop advanced materials and technologies for energy generation and storage. Dr. Kalaiselvi underscored the significance of achieving net zero emissions for sustainable development and expressed that it should be a global mandate.

She acknowledged the challenges associated with advanced materials and urged attendees to view them as opportunities to shape the future through a time-bound process. Dr. Kalaiselvi stressed the importance of careful consideration and collective action in safeguarding Mother Nature. She also highlighted the role of CSIR-NPL in standardization and the development of advanced materials and technologies for achieving net zero emissions.

The event featured technical sessions focusing on Materials for Energy Generation, Energy Storage, and Carbon Capture, with renowned speakers from various countries sharing their research contributions and efforts aimed at developing advanced materials and technologies to achieve net zero emissions.