IIT Guwahati and ICICI Foundation Partner to Establish 2-Megawatt Solar Power Plant

Author : Yasaswini Sampathkumar

Published:   1 February 2026 | Category:  Research & Partnerships | Office:  Assam Academic and Health Innovation Initiative

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth to establish a 2-Megawatt solar power plant on the campus. The partnership aligns the technical expertise of the Institute with the philanthropic commitment of the ICICI Foundation to drive large-scale carbon dioxide emission reduction in the Northeast region.

A Strategic Commitment to Clean Energy

The initiative serves as a major advancement in the adoption of sustainable energy at IIT Guwahati. By integrating a 2-Megawatt solar setup, the Institute expects to generate approximately 2.8 million kWh of clean energy annually. This renewable source will supply power to critical campus infrastructure, including student hostels, specialized research laboratories, and academic departments, significantly reducing the dependence of the Institute on grid electricity.

The project contributes directly to India’s renewable energy commitments under COP26 and supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 9, 11, and 13), focusing on affordable energy and climate action.

"IIT Guwahati’s collaboration with ICICI Foundation is a major step towards strengthening our commitment to sustainable and renewable energy. Through this partnership, we will ensure a greener campus while setting an example for the region to adopt clean energy." — Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati

Funding and Operational Framework

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the ICICI Foundation has committed a donation of 6.26 crore to fund the project. While the Foundation supports the procurement and setup through designated project partners, IIT Guwahati holds the responsibility for the long-term implementation, technical operations, and facility maintenance.

This collaborative model ensures that the infrastructure is supported by industry funding while being managed by the academic and engineering excellence of the Institute.

"It is a privilege to collaborate with a credible institution like IIT Guwahati in promoting clean and green energy on campus. We are confident that this initiative will create a lasting environmental impact, benefitting the communities inside and outside the campus." — Mr. Pgo Pumgouthang, Zonal Head, ICICI Foundation

From Planning to Real-Time Research

The project has transitioned from the design phase to active execution on-site. The engineering teams at the Institute have completed the necessary foundations, and the installation of solar components is currently underway. 

Beyond physical energy generation, the facility will function as a "living laboratory." Researchers and students will have access to real-time data from the plant to study energy efficiency, grid integration, and the performance of solar technology in the specific climatic conditions of Northeast India.

"The foundations are ready, material is arriving, and installation is progressing well. We are confident that the project will be completed on schedule. This collaboration has truly helped us accelerate IIT Guwahati’s transition toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient campus." — Prof. Sisir Kumar Nayak, Associate Dean, Infrastructure Planning & Management, IIT Guwahati

About the Signing

The MoU was signed on 9th February 2026 by Prof. Anjan Dutta, Dean (Infrastructure Planning & Management), IIT Guwahati, and Mr. Pgo Pumgouthang, Zonal Head, ICICI Foundation, in the presence of Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal.

Also in attendance were Prof. Sukumar Nandi (Dean, Administration), Mr. K.K. Tewari (Registrar), Prof. Sisir Kumar Nayak (Associate Dean 1, IPM), and Prof. Akhilesh Kumar Maurya (Associate Dean 2, IPM), alongside senior representatives from ICICI Bank and the ICICI Foundation.