Energy Management
September 20, 2025 2025-10-24 10:08Energy Management
Renewable Energy Integration
Solar Power Systems – Solar Energy
Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) continues to lead by example in its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Embracing renewable energy as a core strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, SRHU has made significant strides in solar energy adoption over the past few years.
Over the past three years, the University’s rooftop solar power plants have generated a total of 71,60,055 kWh of clean energy, resulting in cost savings of approximately ₹2.51 crore. This clean energy production accounted for 13.99% of SRHU’s total electricity demand of 43,682,417 kWh during the same period.
| Year | Total Power Generated (kWh) | Cost Savings (₹) | Renewable Energy Contribution (%) | Electrical Unit Exported to Grid (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 20,93,841 | 63,23,399 | 16.28% | 1,21,260 |
| 2023-2024 | 21,04,000 | 78,90,000 | 14.76% | 1,14,796 |
| 2024-2025 | 29,62,214 | 1,09,28,081 | 17.43% | 1,38,312 |
In a further demonstration of its long-term commitment to sustainability, SRHU commissioned a new 1 MW rooftop solar power plant on 17 August 2024, under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with M/S Baskhi Engineering Works. This state-of-the-art, on-grid installation features monocrystalline dual-side solar panels, each with a capacity of 545 watts, and spans an area of approximately 4,500 square meters on campus.
The plant is projected to generate around 136,435 kWh per month, reducing the university’s reliance on fossil fuels and reinforcing its role as a green campus. Through these initiatives, SRHU continues to set a benchmark for higher education institutions striving to integrate sustainability into their infrastructure and operations.
Inauguration of the new 1 MW rooftop solar plant at the University building, SRHU
Aerial view of Solar panels at HIMS (Google Maps)
Aerial view of Solar panels at HCN (Google Maps)
Aerial view of Solar panels at SMS and SST (Google Maps)
Aerial view of Solar panels at Cancer Research Institute (CRI), SRHU (Google Maps)
Rooftop Solar Water Heater Plant
SRHU has integrated renewable energy into its healthcare infrastructure with an installed capacity of 50,000 litres per day (LPD) solar water heating system. This system has replaced conventional energy sources for water heating needs across the Hospital, Cancer Research Institute wards, and residential hostels, ensuring a round-the-clock supply of hot water.
Energy and cost savings achieved include:
- Annual electricity savings equivalent to 7,50,000 kWh
- Thermal energy savings of over 8,100 GJ in the last three years
- Cumulative savings of 22,50,000 kWh and approximately ₹1.28 crore
Year-wise financial savings:
- ₹41.40 lakh in 2022–23 (tariff ₹5.52/kWh)
- ₹46.87 lakh in 2023–24 (tariff ₹6.25/kWh)
- ₹54.75 lakh in 2024–25 (tariff ₹7.30/kWh)
The University’s efforts have been supported by a ₹24.78 lakh subsidy from UPCL over the last three years, reflecting institutional commitment to clean energy and climate action.
Rooftop solar water heating system at SRHU Hospital and hostels
Biogas Plant
The University has strengthened its commitment to sustainable energy practices by setting up an in-house biogas plant on campus. Located behind the university guest house, the biogas plant has a daily capacity of 4 cubic meters (m³) and operates using cow dung from the campus dairy and vegetable waste from the guest house kitchen as feedstock.
The biogas generated is efficiently utilized for cooking in the guest house kitchen, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fuels. This initiative has led to an annual saving of 685.44 kg of LPG, which is equivalent to approximately 36 commercial LPG cylinders.
Beyond energy savings, the project plays a crucial role in organic waste recycling, promoting a circular approach to resource management and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s energy conservation goals.
Biogas plant at SRHU Guest House utilizing organic waste for sustainable energy
Energy Efficiency Measures
Use of LED Bulbs & Power-Efficient Equipment
SRHU has transitioned to LED lighting throughout its campus, including classrooms, administrative buildings, hostels, and hospitals. LEDs consume up to 80% less electricity than traditional lights, significantly reducing energy bills and carbon emissions. Select areas have smart lighting systems with motion sensors and automated controls, ensuring lights are activated only when spaces are occupied.
LED lighting at the University office promoting energy efficiency
The University has replaced 2,000 conventional 70-watt ceiling fans with energy-efficient 32-watt BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) fans. This upgrade results in estimated annual energy savings of 3,04,608 kWh (based on 8 months of use for 20 hours/day). BLDC fans also offer lower operating costs, better airflow, reduced noise, longer lifespan, and minimal maintenance.
Energy-efficient BLDC fans in hospital premises
SRHU has installed over 800 split inverter air conditioners, rated by BEE, achieving 20–45% energy savings compared to conventional models. The centralized HVAC system includes VFD pumps, heat recovery wheels, MVHR systems, and VRV units to optimize energy use and occupant comfort. A notable upgrade replaced a 378 TR AC package unit with a BEE star-rated unit using R-407 refrigerant, reducing campus electrical load by 102.06 kW and achieving annual savings of 44,702 kWh.
Energy-efficient split inverter AC and BEE star-rated AC supporting HVAC system
SRHU operates nine diesel generator sets of 500 KVA each for backup power. The DG sets are fully CPCB-compliant, equipped with AMF panels and load synchronization systems to operate based on actual demand, reducing unnecessary fuel use. In 2024–25, DGs contributed 2.59% of the university’s total power demand, with emissions tested biannually in NABL-accredited laboratories and within permissible limits.
9 Diesel generator sets with AMF panels and load synchronization system
Sensor-Based Energy Conservation
SRHU actively promotes energy conservation across its campus through the adoption of smart and efficient technologies. Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors have been installed at select locations to optimize electricity usage. These sensors detect infrared radiation emitted by moving objects, such as people, and automatically switch on lights when motion is detected, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Additionally, advanced automation systems have been implemented in the University’s power backup infrastructure to further enhance energy efficiency and reliability.
Smart PIR sensors and automation systems promoting energy conservation at SRHU
ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System
SRHU has been awarded the ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System (EnMS), reinforcing its structured and data-driven approach to energy efficiency. This international standard provides a framework for organizations to implement policies for more efficient energy use, continually improve energy performance, and reduce environmental impact.
- Establishing a comprehensive energy management policy
- Setting and tracking energy performance indicators
- Conducting internal audits and reviews for continuous improvement
- Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
The ISO 50001:2018 framework supports SRHU’s ongoing initiatives—such as LED retrofitting, BLDC fan replacements, solar power generation, HVAC upgrades, smart automation, and DG load optimization—ensuring that they are part of an institutionalized energy strategy. By integrating ISO 50001:2018 into campus operations, SRHU institutionalizes energy responsibility and accountability, validating its leadership in achieving the goals of SDG 7.
ISO 50001:2018 certification for Energy Management System at SRHU
