International Conference ACAPE 2020 begins at AMU
Aligarh: “Most greenhouse gas emissions are caused by human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels and this is a major challenge to address as we talk about advances in chemical and petrochemical industry,” said Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor in his presidential address during the inaugural function of three-days International Conference on ‘Advances in Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering (ACAPE 2020)’.
The conference is being organised by the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Studies at the J N Medical College Auditorium. The Vice Chancellor pointed out that electric vehicles could make up nearly half the fleet of passenger cars and trucks in the years to come as an increasing number of countries are getting interested in renewable and clean energy technologies.
“We have reached a time, when it has become imperative for the oil and petroleum industry to recognise the need for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly model that will not only help the environment, but the industry as a whole,” said Prof Mansoor.
Addressing through video-conferencing, Chief Guest, Prof Ashutosh Sharma (Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India) said that he is sure that the conference will cover all recent developments in areas of chemical and petroleum engineering.
“Chemical and petroleum industry plays a vital role in economic growth and development of manufacturing sector and the value addition in this industry is higher than other sectors. I am sure that the deliberations in the conference on the advancement in areas of chemical, petroleum and petrochemical engineering and other related fields will provide innovative solutions for sustainable development,” added Prof Sharma.
Attending the function as the Guest of Honour, eminent material scientist, Prof Ajayan Vinu stressed on the possibilities of generating clean energy.
“There is an urgent need to find solutions to energy crisis and global warming with the use of clean energy derived from zero-emissions sources and energy saved through efficiency measures as our oil and coal resources are likely to exhaust within a century,” he added.
Padma Shri, Prof G D Yadav (Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai) also addressed through a video conferencing.
Prof Badrul Hasan Khan, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology said that the conference will provide a platform for the brightest minds from across the country and the world to discuss innovative solutions in chemical and petrochemical engineering.
Prof M M Sufyan Beg, Principal, Z H College of Engineering and Technology emphasised that the rapidly changing global energy landscape and ever-increasing pressure on environment preservation further enhances the significance of this sector to provide sustainable growth.
In the welcome address, Mr Naseem Ahmad Khan, Chairman, Department of Chemical Engineering informed that a number of papers in diverse areas of chemical and petrochemical engineering such as modelling and simulation, CFD, Nanotechnology, Energy, Environment and other relevant areas have been received to be presented in the conference.
Dr Najam Sardar, Chairperson, Department of Petroleum Studies also spoke on the occasion.
Padma Vibhushan, Prof M M Sharma, FRS, Emeritus Professor, Institute of Chemical Technology; Dr R P Verma, former Petrotech Chair Professor, IIT Delhi; Prof B V Babu, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Graphic Era University and other experts from India and abroad are scheduled to give lectures in the conference.
Prof Mohammad Kamil (Conference Chair) extended the vote of thanks, while Dr Mohd Junaid Khalil conducted the programme.