In the heart of India’s bustling tech landscape, Dharmendra Hariyani, a mechanical engineering professor at Swami Keshvanand Institute of Technology, Management and Gramothan in Jaipur, is making waves with his groundbreaking research on digital technologies and their pivotal role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His latest study, published in the journal ‘Green Technologies and Sustainability’ (which translates to ‘Zelene tehnologije in trajnostnost’ in English), delves into how innovative digital tools can revolutionize industries, with a particular focus on the energy sector.
Hariyani’s research, a systematic review of 473 peer-reviewed articles, paints a vivid picture of a future where artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and other digital technologies are not just buzzwords, but powerful tools driving sustainability. “Digital technologies are not just about automation; they are about creating a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable world,” Hariyani asserts.
Imagine smart grids that predict and manage energy demand in real-time, reducing waste and lowering costs. This is not a distant dream but a reality made possible by AI and IoT. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, supporting climate action (SDG 13) and enhancing energy efficiency (SDG 7). “AI can analyze vast amounts of data to predict energy consumption patterns, allowing for better resource management,” Hariyani explains.
Blockchain, often associated with cryptocurrencies, has far-reaching applications in the energy sector. It enhances transparency, security, and ethical governance (SDG 16), ensuring that energy transactions are fair and traceable. This could revolutionize energy trading, making it more accessible and equitable.
The energy sector is not the only beneficiary. Big data analytics strengthens supply chains, agricultural productivity (SDG 2), and disaster management (SDG 13). Cloud computing fosters collaboration and scalability (SDG 9, SDG 17), while 5G networks improve connectivity and infrastructure development. Remote sensing and GIS provide essential insights for environmental monitoring (SDG 14, SDG 15) and disaster response.
However, the path to this digital utopia is not without challenges. The digital divide, high costs, data privacy concerns, and skill shortages are significant barriers. Hariyani emphasizes the need for policy measures, including increased government investments in digital infrastructure, strategic public-private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.
The commercial impacts are immense. Companies that embrace these technologies can expect to see improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced sustainability credentials. This is not just about doing good; it’s about doing well. As Hariyani puts it, “Sustainability is no longer just a moral imperative; it’s a business imperative.”
Hariyani’s research, published in ‘Green Technologies and Sustainability’, provides a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and businesses to leverage digital technologies for sustainable development. It’s a call to action, a challenge to think bigger, to innovate bolder, and to build a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
As we stand on the cusp of a digital revolution, Hariyani’s work serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a future where technology serves not just profit, but people and the planet. The energy sector, and indeed all industries, would do well to heed his insights and embrace the digital transformation. The future is not just digital; it’s sustainable. And it’s happening now.
