Energy conservation in India is a critical aspect of sustainable development, given the country’s growing energy demand, reliance on fossil fuels, and climate commitments. The government, industries, and citizens are actively working to promote energy efficiency and reduce wastage through policies, technologies, and awareness campaigns.
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Key Initiatives for Energy Conservation in India:
1. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
– Established under the Energy Conservation Act (2001), BEE promotes energy efficiency standards and labeling for appliances (like ACs, refrigerators, and LED bulbs).
– Implements the Standards & Labeling Program to help consumers identify energy-efficient products.
2. Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT) Scheme
– A market-based mechanism to reduce energy consumption in industries (cement, steel, power plants, etc.).
– Companies exceeding efficiency targets earn Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which can be traded.
3. UJALA Scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)
– Distributed over 360 million LED bulbs, reducing household electricity bills and CO₂ emissions significantly.
4. Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
– Mandates energy-efficient designs for commercial buildings to reduce HVAC and lighting consumption.
5. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
– Part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on industrial and infrastructure efficiency.
6. Renewable Energy Integration
– Promotion of solar (40 GW rooftop solar target) and wind power to reduce dependence on coal-based electricity.
7. Agriculture & Municipal Efficiency
– Replacement of inefficient agricultural pumps with solar-powered ones under the PM-KUSUM Sch
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– Smart street lighting initiatives using LEDs in cities.
Challenges in Energy Conservation:
– High initial costs for energy-efficient technologies.
– Lack of awareness in rural areas.
– Industrial resistance due to upgrade costs.
– Grid inefficiencies leading to transmission losses (~20%).
Future Goals:
– India aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels).
– Target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
– Net-zero emissions by 2070 (as pledged at COP26).
How Citizens Can Contribute:
✔ Use BEE 5-star rated appliances