The Central Government of India recently launched the “Go Electric” Campaign. This initiative is aimed at disseminating information about the advantages of electric mobility (e-mobility), electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and electric cooking across the country.
Key Points of the Go Electric Campaign
The main objective of the campaign is to steer the nation towards 100% e-mobility and encourage safe and clean e-cooking. It strives to raise awareness nationwide, lessening the country’s import dependency. Its ultimate goal is to advance down the pathway towards a low carbon economy, thus shielding both the country and planet from harmful climate change consequences.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, has been tasked with conducting an awareness movement advocating public charging, e-mobility, and its supporting ecosystem.
E-Mobility Definition and Status in India
E-mobility diverges from conventional carbon-emitting fossil fuels, instead employing energy from electrical power sources via external charging capabilities. Currently, India uses 94 million tonnes of oil and petroleum products exclusively for transportation, a figure expected to double by 2030. India’s current import bill for fossil fuels stands at Rs 8 lakh Crore. E-mobility encompasses fully electric, conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles.
The Indian government has taken several steps to promote the manufacture and acceptance of Electric Vehicles (EV) in the country. An example of such endeavor is the ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-India)’ Scheme.
Electric Fuel as an Alternative Fuel Source
Electric fuel serves as a substantial alternative to fossil fuels. Compared to traditional fuels, the electric variant is cheaper, emits less, and is also homegrown. Public transport electrification is both economically viable and eco-friendly. The use of just 10,000 electric vehicles in Delhi could save Rs 30 crore per month.
The introduction of Green Hydrogen in commercial vehicles could mark a major shift, potentially eliminating the need for crude oil imports. This substance is produced using renewable energy and electrolysis to separate water. It differs from grey hydrogen, made from methane and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and blue hydrogen, which captures emissions and stores them underground to prevent climatic changes.
Green hydrogen is considered an ideal solution for heavy vehicles like buses. Utilizing green energy derived from agricultural waste and biomass is expected to benefit farmers nationwide.
Electric Cooking Benefits and Prospects
Switching to induction cooking will bring the government one step closer to fulfilling its promise of enhanced energy access. Conceptually, if electric cooktops are adopted universally, this might lead to clean cooking being practiced countrywide. One significant attribute of this electricity-based solution is that it can effectively harness solar power in both urban and rural settings.
About Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The Government of India established the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Its main role is to aid in formulating policies and strategies primarily aiming to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy. Its main programmes include the State Energy Efficiency Index, Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, the Standards & Labeling Programme, and the Energy Conservation Building Code.
