As part of the Maitri Research Grant funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australia-India Economic Engagement initiative, Murdoch University has taken a leading role in fostering collaboration in renewable energy, energy transition, and advanced manufacturing.

Dr. Damoon Zaheri, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, and Dr. Martina Calais and Dr. Manickam Minakshi Sundaram recently travelled to New Delhi to deliver an industry-academic workshop in partnership with the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI). The project is managed by Professor Farhad Shahnia, with a total project funding of $341,000.

This workshop followed earlier visits and engagement activities undertaken through the grant, including site visits in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad, networking with Australian and Indian industries at All Energy Conference Melbourne and Energy Week New Delhi, and consultations to lay the groundwork for sustainable collaboration in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The New Delhi workshop brought together Indian industry leaders, academics, and one Australian industry participant to discuss key opportunities and challenges in solar PV manufacturing and renewable energy education. Themes included addressing India's growing need for skilled personnel, gaps in current capacity, and areas where joint Australian-Indian initiatives can thrive.

Key outcomes from the workshop:

• Facilitated direct engagement between Murdoch University and Indian solar manufacturers and academics.
• Identified opportunities for joint training, research, and educational programs to address India’s renewable energy skill gaps.
• Discussed potential for Murdoch University to serve as a Renewable Energy Education Partner in future Indian energy sector projects.
• Strengthened collaboration with NSEFI and gained industry perspectives on Australia's renewable energy challenges and partnership models.

"The workshop in New Delhi was a pivotal moment for our research collaboration. It not only provided us with critical insights into the renewable energy landscape in India but also opened doors for future partnerships and knowledge exchange. We are excited about the potential this collaboration holds for advancing renewable energy solutions", said Dr. Damoon Zaheri

Murdoch University remains committed to fostering international collaborations that drive innovation and address global challenges in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. The outcomes of this workshop mark a significant step forward in achieving the objectives of the Maitri Research Grant and strengthening the ties between Australia and India in the field of renewable energy.

Next steps for this grant include the final international research conference to be held in Melbourne on April 28-29, concluding with a conference in India in 26^th of May 2025. These events aim to further deepen the Australia–India clean energy partnership and promote commercial and research collaboration.

Murdoch University gratefully acknowledges the support of DFAT and the Centre for Australia-India Relations for funding this project and supporting meaningful Australia–India partnerships in the renewable energy sector.