Prof. Rihan Appointed as Director General NISE
Aligarh : Professor Mohammad Rihan, from the Electrical Engineering Department at AMU, has assumed the role of Director General at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous body under the Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). His appointment to the position of DG was endorsed by a selection committee comprising subject matter experts and senior IAS officers following interviews conducted in December 2023. The recommendation was subsequently approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Government of India. He will serve at NISE on deputation for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extension of two years.
Dr. Rihan brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in the Electrical Engineering Department, where he has made significant contributions to the fields of smart grid and solar energy. His expertise in these areas aligns seamlessly with NISE’s mandate to promote research & development, testing, certification, and skill development in solar energy technologies.
During his time at AMU, Dr. Rihan led the integration of 6.5MWp solar PV plants into the campus distribution grid, marking one of the largest installations in any academic institution in the country. He spearheaded a pioneering project worth Rs. 20 Cr. for a 3.3 MWp solar farm, setting a benchmark for academic institutes nationwide.
Moreover, as the Founder Director of the center for Grid Integrated Green and Renewable Energy at AMU has been instrumental in addressing research challenges posed by high renewable energy penetration. Under his guidance, the center initiated a Joint M.Tech program on Green Energy and Sustainable Development in collaboration with NISE, aligning with national priorities for green energy transition and the National Education Policy.
Dr. Rihan’s stellar academic record is complemented by his mentorship of Ph.D. scholars in the areas of smart grid, solar energy, and synchrophasors measurement, with several of them receiving prestigious Prime Ministers’ Research Fellowship. His expertise has also been sought by government and private sector entities for consultancy on energy efficiency, conservation initiatives, and modernization of electricity infrastructure.
As Director General of NISE, Dr. Rihan is poised to lead the institute towards further advancements in solar energy research, development, and policy implementation, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy goals.