The National Technology Day was celebrated at CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, on 27 May 2024 with great zeal. Dr Deependra Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of IREL (India) Ltd, Mumbai, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Dr K Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI, welcomed the gathering and provided a brief overview of National Technology Day. He detailed the seminal technological contributions that CSIR and CSIR-CECRI have made towards Nation-building, including Amulspray — infant milk food, Swaraj Tractor, Biofuels, e-Tractors and various societal applications. Besides, he highlighted technological advancements made by CSIR-CECRI in environmental technologies, such as CO2 capture, electrolyzers, water purification, electroplating, NPK sensors, fuel cells, corrosion mitigation, and corrosion inhibitor technologies used in the Pamban Bridge. He proudly mentioned CSIR-CECRI’s role in human resources development activities through its BTech programme, AcSIR PhD programme, Skill Development, and Jigyasa.

In his National Technology Day lecture on “Energy Transition Materials and Rare Earths”, Dr Deependra Singh covered the critical materials in short supply and crucial in the value chain. He projected the demand for Li, Cu, Al, Co, Ni, and other battery-related materials in 2030 and 2040. He stated that there is a need to identify materials that would become critical in the next 10-15 years and find solutions from now. He further said that the grand challenges of rare earths lie in separation, smelting, and understanding the f-electron. He added that the role of critical materials in energy security and the challenges of a clean energy transition are the key areas.

Dr Singh stated that there is an increase in demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth materials. He highlighted the availability of rare earths globally and in India. He provided an overview of applications of rare earth elements in emerging clean energy technologies, including wind turbines and EV motors. He detailed the activities of IREL and the availability of feedstock resources in India and explained various methods and stages of the extraction process.

Dr A Palaniappan, Sr Principal Scientist, CSIR-CECRI, proposed the vote of thanks.