The School of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, successfully organised a two-day national workshop on “Low and Medium Temperature Waste Heat Recovery in Process Heat Applications” on October 22–23, 2026. Sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, the workshop brought together eminent scientists, academicians, researchers, and energy technology experts from leading institutions across the country to explore innovative solutions for industrial waste heat recovery and sustainable energy utilisation.
The workshop focused on converting otherwise wasted thermal energy into useful power and heating applications, thereby advancing the principles of energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste-to-wealth. The deliberations highlighted the potential of emerging technologies to reduce industrial energy consumption, improve process efficiency, and contribute to India’s sustainability and clean energy objectives.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU. Prof. Ramesh C. Mallik of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, attended as the Chief Guest and emphasised the significance of recovering low- and medium-temperature industrial waste heat using thermoelectric technologies. His address highlighted opportunities for converting unused heat into electricity and improving the overall energy efficiency of industrial processes.
Prof. T. Srinivas of NIT Jalandhar, the Guest of Honour, shared insights into thermal polygeneration and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technologies, which offer promising approaches for recovering and utilising industrial waste heat. The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Prof. R. K. Mishra, Workshop Secretary. Special addresses were delivered by Prof. A. K. Das, Dean (Research and Development); Prof. Balbir Singh, Dean (Academic Affairs); and Prof. Y. Anand, Head, School of Mechanical Engineering, SMVDU. The speakers highlighted the importance of research-driven innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of practical energy technologies to support sustainable industrial growth.
The technical programme featured expert lectures and discussions on a wide range of emerging technologies, including thermoelectric materials and devices, industrial waste heat recovery system design, thermal polygeneration, and energy recovery in the composite industry. Other key topics included solar photovoltaic–thermoelectric generator integration, fuel-cell waste heat recovery, low-temperature heating and air-conditioning systems, solar thermal technologies, and thermoelectric energy conversion.
Eminent resource persons representing premier academic and research institutions enriched the programme through their technical expertise and research perspectives. The participating experts included Prof. Ramesh C. Mallik (IISc Bengaluru); Prof. R. T. Durai Prabhakar, Dr. Satya Sekhar, and Dr. Anup Shukla (IIT Jammu); Dr. Dinesh Rajendran (NIT Srinagar); Prof. T. Srinivas (NIT Jalandhar); Dr. Hakkem Nyas U. S. (RGIPT); Dr. Avadesh Yadav (NIT Kurukshetra); and Prof. Arivandham (Anna University).
The workshop attracted 34 external participants and 25 internal participants, with active support from 15 student volunteers and faculty members. Participants representing Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala engaged in discussions and knowledge-sharing activities. The programme provided a valuable platform for researchers and faculty members to exchange ideas, explore collaborative research opportunities, and identify potential applications of waste heat recovery technologies in industrial and energy systems.
The workshop also underscored the importance of translating laboratory research and technological innovations into practical solutions for industries, particularly in sectors where substantial quantities of low- and medium-temperature thermal energy remain underutilised. The discussions reinforced the potential of waste heat recovery to improve energy productivity, reduce avoidable energy losses, and support environmentally responsible manufacturing.
The programme concluded with closing remarks by Prof. R. K. Mishra, Workshop Secretary, followed by an open feedback session. The concluding deliberations emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among universities, research institutions, and industry to accelerate the development and deployment of cost-effective waste heat recovery technologies. Through this initiative, SMVDU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research, building capacity, and driving technological innovation in sustainable energy systems. The workshop aligned with national priorities in energy conservation, resource efficiency, and the Waste-to-Wealth mission, demonstrating academic institutions’ role in developing solutions for a more energy-efficient and sustainable industrial future.
