The article under review discusses the annual National Energy Conservation Day in India, which takes place on December 14th. This day is managed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and seeks to highlight India’s efforts towards energy efficiency and conservation. As part of this effort, from December 9th to December 14th 2019, BEE is observing National Energy Conservation Week to foster widespread awareness about the importance of energy conservation. With India’s energy demand set to double between 2013 and 2030, BEE’s mission involves creating policies and strategies to curb this growing demand. The article also sheds light on various government programs that encourage energy conservation and how they contribute to curbing the nation’s rising energy demand.
National Energy Conservation Awards Programme
The National Energy Conservation Awards programme recognizes achievements in energy efficiency across 56 sub-sectors spanning industries, establishments, and institutions. The Ministry of Power implements various policies and schemes such as The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, Standard and Labelling and Demand Side Management. These initiatives aid in achieving significant energy savings and promoting the efficient use of energy throughout society. The development of Energy Conservation Guidelines and State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index assists different sectors of industries and states in implementing energy efficiency programmes more effectively. Energy Conservation Building Codes is being developed for the residential sector to manage the country’s rising energy demand.
Perform, Achieve and Trade Scheme
The PAT Scheme is a market-based mechanism intended to boost energy efficiency in large energy-intensive industries. This scheme allows for the trade of additional certified energy savings with other designated consumers to comply with Specific Energy Consumption reduction targets. Energy Savings Certificates (ESCerts) are issued and can be traded on designated trading platforms at Indian Energy Exchange and Power Exchange India. This unique scheme creates a market for energy efficiency through tradable certificates ESCerts, allowing them to be used for meeting energy reduction targets.
Quick Facts about Energy Conservation in India
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| National Energy Conservation Day | 14th December every year |
| Organizer | The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) |
| Energy demand forecast (2013-2030) | To double to approx. 1500 million tons of oil equivalent |
| Key Government Initiative | Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, Standard and Labelling and Demand Side Management |
| Energy Savings Certificates (ESCerts) | Tradable on Indian Energy Exchange and Power Exchange India |
Looking Ahead: Reducing Energy Demand in India
With the expected growth in energy demand, India’s commitment to energy conservation is more crucial than ever. Through initiatives like the National Energy Conservation Awards programme and the PAT Scheme, India is working towards managing its energy demand more effectively. The development of Energy Conservation Guidelines and the State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index are significant steps in achieving greater energy efficiency across various sectors. The country’s journey towards sustainable development and mitigating climate change hinges on these concerted efforts to save energy.