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Every year, on December 14th, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) observes National Energy Conservation Day. This significant event aims at sensitizing people about global warming and climate change while encouraging endeavors directed towards preserving energy resources. Furthermore, it proudly showcases the country’s accomplishments in energy conservation and efficiency domains.
National Energy Conservation Day and its Relevance
National Energy Conservation Day plays a pivotal role in highlighting individual efforts and collective initiatives taken to use energy judiciously. Actions such as turning off lights when not in use or preferring public transport over personal vehicles are simple yet effective examples of energy conservation. Understandably, such consciously-made choices contribute towards achieving the broader objective of sustainable energy.
Interestingly, ‘energy conservation’ and ‘energy efficiency’ are two distinct concepts, the former emphasizing careful usage and the latter focusing on the application of technology that demands lesser energy for carrying out the same function.
Energy Conservation Act, 2001: A Major Step Forward
The Energy Conservation Act, passed in 2001, was a significant step towards curtailing India’s energy intensity. It mandated standards and labeling for equipment and appliances, energy conservation building codes for commercial structures, and energy consumption norms for energy-intensive industries.
Energy Conservation Week and Its Celebrations
In 2021, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Power marked the Energy Conservation Week from December 8th to 14th. The BEE and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) initiated several measures to promote energy-efficient growth in this sector, striking a balance with environmental preservation.
SAMEEEKSHA: An Initiative Promoting Collaboration
Promoted by BEE and the Ministry of MSME, SAMEEEKSHA (Small and Medium Enterprises Energy Efficiency Knowledge Sharing), is a collaborative platform. It aims to consolidate the knowledge and collaborative efforts of different organizations, fostering the adoption of clean energy technologies and practices.
National Energy Conservation Awards: Recognizing Efforts
In 1991, the Ministry of Power introduced the National Energy Conservation Awards. The awards honor industries and establishments that have significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining their production levels.
Other Noteworthy Initiatives
Initiatives like Perform Achieve and Trade Scheme (PAT), Standards and Labeling, Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), and Demand Side Management exemplify national efforts towards energy conservation.
Regarding global initiatives, entities like the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) are notable contributors. Moreover, the Paris Agreement, a legally binding treaty on climate change, and Mission Innovation (MI) drive energy conservation efforts worldwide.
Power Sector Scenario in India
As of November 2021, India, the world’s third-largest electricity producer, has operationalized an overall capacity of about 392 GW into its electricity grid. The country derives majorly from thermal, nuclear, and renewable energy sources, with respective shares of 60% (234.69 GW), 2% (6.78 GW), and 38% (150.54 GW).
Renewable Energy Sector: A Promising Landscape
Ranking fourth globally in terms of attractiveness, the renewable energy sector in India has promising growth aspects. With a commendable installed capacity for wind and solar energy, India has crossed the 150 GW mark in its renewable energy capacity.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): Role and Responsibilities
BEE, a statutory body established under the Union Ministry of Power through the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 works towards minimizing India’s energy intensity. In fulfilling its mandate, BEE works closely with various designated consumers, agencies, and organizations to maximize the utilization of existing resources and infrastructure.
