Srinagar, Oct 23: The Department of Electrical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Friday inaugurated the IEEE 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Technology for Energy and Power Systems (STEPS 2026), bringing together academicians, researchers and power-sector professionals to deliberate on emerging developments in sustainable energy technologies.
Centred on the theme “A Step Towards Green, Clean and Reliable Energy,” the three-day conference aims to promote research, innovation and collaboration in sustainable energy and modern power systems.
The inaugural session commenced with an address by Prof. Shameem Ahmad Lone, Conference Chair, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the importance of academic collaboration and research in addressing emerging challenges in energy and power systems.
Prof. Mairaj ud Din Mufti, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, emphasised the department’s commitment to research, innovation and academic engagement in areas relevant to the evolving energy sector.
Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, Dean Research & Consultancy, NIT Srinagar, highlighted the growing significance of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar energy and battery technology, in the present energy landscape. She underscored their role in accelerating the transition towards cleaner energy sources and strengthening energy sustainability.
Addressing the gathering, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, underscored the importance of research and technological advancement in developing sustainable energy systems. He also acknowledged the distinguished contributions of Prof. Bhim Singh to electrical engineering and his standing in the field.
The inaugural occasion was graced by Prof. Bhim Singh, Guest of Honour, whose participation added significant academic value to the conference. Following the inaugural session, Prof. Singh delivered a keynote address on the pivotal role of power electronics in the renewable energy sector.
He discussed how advancements in power electronic technologies are transforming the integration and utilisation of renewable energy sources and shaping future developments in power and energy systems.
The event also witnessed the participation of Mr Shurjeel Ghani Lalla, Secretary Technical, Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD), and Mrs Aaquib Waheed Deva, Chief Engineer, KPTCL. They shared perspectives on the evolving power-sector landscape, with particular emphasis on solar energy schemes and their impact in Jammu and Kashmir.
Their interaction with students and researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering provided an opportunity to bridge academic research with practical challenges and developments in the power sector.
STEPS 2026 serves as a platform for researchers, academicians, students and industry professionals to exchange ideas and present developments in sustainable energy, power electronics, renewable energy integration and modern power systems.
The conference seeks to foster meaningful academic and professional engagement while strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and the power sector.
The conference will continue until October 25, featuring keynote addresses, technical sessions and research presentations focusing on emerging challenges and opportunities in sustainable energy and power engineering.
