
PHD in Hydro Renewable Energy at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee


Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Hydro & Renewable Energy at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This Hydro & Renewable Energy PhD program at IIT Roorkee focuses on advanced research in sustainable energy solutions, crucial for India''''s growing energy demands. The program covers hydropower, solar, wind, biomass, and other emerging renewable energy technologies, emphasizing engineering, policy, and environmental aspects. Its interdisciplinary approach fosters comprehensive expertise vital for tackling complex energy challenges in the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Tech/M.E. graduates seeking to delve into cutting-edge research in renewable energy and hydropower. It also attracts B.Tech/B.E. and M.Sc. postgraduates with strong academic backgrounds, looking to contribute to India''''s energy transition. Working professionals in the energy sector keen on advanced R&D or academic careers will find this program beneficial for deep specialization and innovation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as lead researchers, university professors, policy advisors, or senior engineers in India''''s booming renewable energy sector. Career paths include R&D labs, PSUs like NTPC, NHPC, MNRE, and private energy firms. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, significantly increasing with experience and impact in research or industry leadership. The program provides a strong foundation for future innovations.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Energy Fundamentals- (undefined)
Dedicate the initial semesters to thoroughly understand the theoretical underpinnings of hydro and various renewable energy systems through coursework. Actively engage in lectures, solve problem sets, and seek clarification on complex topics to build a robust knowledge base essential for advanced research.
Tools & Resources
Departmental library resources, NPTEL lectures on energy, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures successful completion of coursework, enabling effective identification of research gaps and a smooth transition into thesis work, crucial for future research-oriented roles.
Identify and Engage with Research Areas- (undefined)
Explore diverse research domains within hydro and renewable energy, attend departmental seminars, and interact with faculty members to understand ongoing projects. This helps in identifying a research niche aligned with your interests and the department''''s expertise, leading to potential supervisor selection.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research profiles (HRE website), Research publications (Scopus, Web of Science), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Early identification of a research area streamlines the PhD journey and helps in developing a focused proposal, directly impacting the quality and relevance of your thesis for future contributions to the energy sector.
Develop Advanced Research Skills- (undefined)
Beyond coursework, focus on acquiring critical research methodologies, literature review techniques, and basic data analysis skills. Participate in workshops on research ethics, academic writing, and presentation skills to prepare for independent research work and scholarly communication.
Tools & Resources
IIT Roorkee Central Library resources, Plagiarism check tools (Turnitin), Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Proficiency in research skills from the start ensures efficient progression through thesis work, culminating in high-quality publications and a strong research profile for academic or R&D careers.
Intermediate Stage
Conduct In-depth Literature Review and Proposal Development- (undefined)
Systematically review existing literature to identify research gaps and formulate a novel research problem. Develop a comprehensive research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and a detailed timeline under the guidance of your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, Scopus/Web of Science for literature search, Research Proposal Writing Guide
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal is the cornerstone of a successful PhD, paving the way for impactful research and publications that boost your credibility in academia and industry.
Engage in Experimental or Simulation Work- (undefined)
Actively participate in laboratory experiments, field data collection, or advanced numerical simulations relevant to your research problem. Develop proficiency in using specialized software tools and equipment, meticulously documenting all procedures and results.
Tools & Resources
HRE Departmental Labs, MATLAB, ANSYS, HOMER Pro, GAMS, Data analysis software (R, Python)
Career Connection
Practical skills in experimental or simulation techniques are highly valued in both academic and industrial R&D roles, making you a more competitive candidate for specialized positions.
Present Research at Conferences and Workshops- (undefined)
Prepare and present your research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and symposiums. This practice helps in receiving critical feedback, networking with peers and experts, and refining your communication skills, while building your academic presence.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases (ConfTool, AllConferences), Presentation software (PowerPoint, LaTeX Beamer), Networking platforms (LinkedIn, ResearchGate)
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance visibility, lead to potential collaborations, and are crucial for developing a strong publication record, which is vital for academic positions and securing research grants.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Publications- (undefined)
Prioritize publishing your research findings in reputable, peer-reviewed international journals with high impact factors. Work closely with your supervisor to refine manuscripts, address reviewer comments, and navigate the publication process effectively.
Tools & Resources
Journal Finder tools, Manuscript preparation guidelines, Grammarly for proofreading
Career Connection
A strong publication record in top-tier journals is paramount for thesis submission, securing post-doctoral fellowships, and gaining a competitive edge for faculty positions or lead research roles in prominent organizations.
Prepare and Defend Your Thesis- (undefined)
Systematically compile your research work into a coherent and well-structured thesis. Dedicate ample time to writing, editing, and internal review, and meticulously prepare for your pre-submission seminar and final viva-voce defense, articulating your contributions clearly.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides (IITR guidelines), Supervisor feedback, Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
A well-defended thesis is the culmination of your PhD, opening doors to academic tenure, senior research positions, or expert consulting roles where your specialized knowledge is highly valued.
Network for Post-PhD Opportunities- (undefined)
Actively network with faculty, industry professionals, and alumni to explore post-PhD opportunities, including post-doctoral positions, research scientist roles, or faculty positions. Attend career fairs and informational interviews to understand various career paths.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Professional Network, IIT Roorkee Alumni Network, Career Development Centre services
Career Connection
Strategic networking provides insights into job markets, potential collaborations, and direct access to employers, significantly enhancing your chances of securing a desirable position aligned with your expertise in hydro and renewable energy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant disciplines with minimum 6.5 CGPA or 60% marks; OR Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant disciplines with minimum 7.0 CGPA or 70% marks and valid GATE score; OR Master''''s degree in Sciences/Humanities/Social Sciences in relevant disciplines with minimum 6.0 CGPA or 55% marks and valid NET/GATE score. Detailed conditions and specific departmental requirements apply.
Duration: Minimum 2 years (for M.Tech/M.E. degree holders) or 3 years (for B.Tech/B.E./M.Sc. equivalent degree holders), Maximum 7 years (full-time)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits of coursework Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies by course for coursework components (quizzes, assignments, mid-terms); PhD degree assessment is primarily based on thesis evaluation, pre-submission seminar, and final viva-voce examination., External: Varies by course for coursework components (end-semester examination); PhD degree assessment is primarily based on thesis evaluation, pre-submission seminar, and final viva-voce examination.
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRE-601 | Hydro-Power Plant Engineering | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Hydropower development principles, Types of hydropower plants and layouts, Components of hydro systems, Hydro turbines and generators, Power house planning and design, Economics and environmental aspects of hydropower |
| HRE-603 | Renewable Energy Sources | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Solar energy fundamentals and technologies, Wind energy principles and systems, Bioenergy conversion technologies, Geothermal and ocean energy resources, Hybrid energy systems design, Renewable energy policies and challenges |
| HRE-605 | Energy Audit & Management | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Global and Indian energy scenario, Principles of energy management, Energy audit methodologies and instruments, Industrial energy conservation strategies, Demand-side management in utilities, Regulatory framework for energy efficiency |
| HRE-607 | Advanced Hydrology | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Hydrologic cycle components and interactions, Advanced precipitation analysis, Infiltration and soil moisture dynamics, Evapotranspiration measurement and modeling, Runoff generation and flood routing, Groundwater hydrology and well hydraulics |
| HRE-602 | Energy Systems Modelling and Simulation | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Modelling principles for energy systems, Simulation techniques and tools, Energy demand and supply forecasting, Renewable energy resource assessment models, Hybrid energy system simulation, Optimization techniques in energy planning |
| HRE-606 | Solar Energy Applications | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Solar thermal systems design and performance, Solar photovoltaic (PV) system components, Solar water heating and cooling, Concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, Solar drying and distillation, Integration of solar energy with grid |
| HRE-608 | Wind Energy Technology | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Wind resource assessment and mapping, Wind turbine aerodynamics and design, Wind farm design and optimization, Grid integration of wind power, Economics and environmental impacts of wind energy, Operation and maintenance of wind turbines |
| HRE-610 | Biomass Energy Systems | PhD Coursework (Potential Core/Elective) | 3 | Biomass resources and their characterization, Biofuel production technologies (bioethanol, biodiesel), Biogas technology and digester design, Biomass gasification processes, Incineration and pyrolysis for energy recovery, Sustainability and policy for bioenergy |




