TERI
Dr. Pachauri began his journey with TERI when it was a small documentation center in Mumbai during the early 80s, with support from Mr. Darbari S. Seth, the Chairman of "TATA" Chemicals. A financial grant of 1.5 crores was given to start dissemination of research projects in the domain of renewable energy, sustainable energy and biotechnological applications. Parallelly, after this a small lab-based research facility was opened in Andhra Pradesh focusing on Biomass technology applications. A small research team composed of reputed CSIR scientists was formed by Dr. Pachauri to create new, futuristic renewable energy technologies like 2 stage and 3 stage Biomass gasifier applications for meeting the power demand and cooking needs of the village society. A strong emphasis was given on livelihood generation for the rural economy in the process of development of these applications.
After the successful operation of Andhra Pradesh, a small office was established from a rented premise in Jorbagh with a research team of 6 people. Dr. Pachauri developed an energy economy simulation model with a strong team of researchers from Jorbagh. The "TATA" Energy and Research Institute gradually became independent through self-funded research projects under the leadership of Dr. Pachauri, and evolved into research in the field of energy, economy and environment supported by independent funding agencies, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors and government bodies. By the late 80s, TERI was the first organization in the developing world to get into the field of Climate Change and action through a national and regional conference. Dr. Pachauri spearheaded and created a strong climate change research team to initiate detailed scientific research on Climate Mitigation and Adaptation.
TERI shifted to its own office in the India Habitat Centre in 1994 through the support of HUDCO under the leadership of Dr. Pachauri. By this time, TERI had expanded to fundamental research, advocacy, education programs and technological generation. A full-fledged bio-technology and bio-mass technology-oriented lab was opened in a new 85-acre campus at Gwal Pahari after completely converting a degraded land to a plush green facility with solar, wind and renewable energy applications for meeting the power needs of the campus. The facility is also marked by two cricket and golf fields to enthuse a sports culture and passion amongst researchers, scientists, and practitioners. This was inspired by Dr. Pachauri’s avid fervor for sports, education and culture to promote sustainability in the society.
Realizing the importance of a futuristic leadership through the youth, Dr. Pachauri created the Green University called TERI School for Advanced Studies (erstwhile TERI University) with a huge range of Masters and PhD programs on different domains of sustainability. Dr. Pachauri’s legacy of work and visionary leadership for TERI and TERI School for Advanced Studies (erstwhile TERI University) continues to inspire us today and will do so in the days to come. As CEO of New Delhi-based TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute), Dr. Pachauri oversaw a staff of more than 1,200 employees engaged in the research and development of solutions to global problems in the fields of energy, environment and current patterns of development.
Lighting a Billion Lives Initiative
Dr. Pachauri conceptualized and launched the global ‘Lighting a Billion Lives’ (LaBL) initiative in 2008, to facilitate clean energy access to the energy poor. The initiative has taken solar energy to remote places such as Sundarbans, West Bengal, Thar Desert, Rajasthan, and in the state of Bihar. Being an early advocate for integration of access to clean cooking and lighting solutions, the initiative has successfully deployed several thousands of Integrated Domestic Energy Systems (IDES) in rural and remote areas. It has set several benchmarks and has emphasized on access to a menu of clean energy options for the poor at last mile locations. LaBL has also been a platform for several technology manufacturers to start-up with business in the clean energy space. The initiative has its footfalls in 13 plus countries and 23 plus states of India.
Related Links:
Images:
