Pondicherry University Hosts Prestigious UNESCO Chair to Lead Global Transition in Renewable and Clean Energy

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News Pondicherry University, India - 2nd February 2026

Pondicherry University has achieved a significant global milestone with the establishment of the UNESCO Chair on “Renewable and Clean Energy for Sustainable Development” (2024–2028) at the UNESCO Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies (UMSGET). This prestigious Chair has been instituted with the support of UNESCO, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and SAF/MSF Trustees, along with endorsements from leading international partners across Germany, Australia, Brazil, the USA, and the UK.

The UNESCO Chair aims to promote green and clean energy technologies through intellectual leadership, professional training, and international collaboration. It will work closely with governments, educational institutions, industries, NGOs, researchers, and environmentally conscious individuals to accelerate the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in South Asia and across the globe.

Professor R. Arun Prasath, an internationally acclaimed researcher and academician, has been appointed as the Chairholder for the four-year tenure (2024–2028). With over 23 years of teaching, research, and industrial experience, Prof. Prasath brings exceptional global exposure through his work in Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, and the United States. A recipient of prestigious fellowships such as DAAD, BOF, and RAMAN, he has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and is a co-inventor of multiple international and European patents.

At Pondicherry University, Prof. Prasath has played a transformative role in advancing sustainability initiatives, notably leading the “Solar Campus Master Plan.” His efforts have resulted in the installation of approximately 3 MWp of solar power capacity, positioning Pondicherry University among India’s leading educational institutions in affordable and clean energy generation. He has also contributed significantly to green campus auditing, sustainability rankings, and the university’s progress toward net-zero goals.

Under Prof. Prasath’s leadership, the UNESCO Chair will champion a rapid transition toward renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, ocean, geothermal, hydrogen, and waste-to-energy systems. The Chair will also focus on cutting-edge technologies including energy storage, fuel cells, electrolysers, electric mobility, carbon capture, and green buildings to address global climate change challenges.

The official inaugural function of the UNESCO Chair on “Renewable and Clean Energy for Sustainable Development” was successfully held on 10 December 2024, marking a landmark step in strengthening international cooperation and advancing sustainable energy solutions for a greener future.


Source: Renewable and Clean Energy for Sustainable Development