India is one of the most populous countries globally, and consequently, its energy demand is also very high. India’s ability to provide affordable, clean, and sustainable power to its growing population will be critical to its economy’s future development. But avoiding the carbon-intensive path taken by other countries will necessitate strong policies, technological leaps, and a surge in clean energy investment. Energy efficiency in India has become a matter of utmost importance because India is set to see the biggest surge in demand for energy over the next 20 years. Energy use will rise because of a growing and industrializing economy and an expanding and increasingly urban population, raising how best to meet that rising demand without exacerbating issues such as air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The deployment of energy efficiency in India is gaining much attention from policymakers.
What does the future hold for energy efficiency in India?
In recent years, India has made remarkable progress with its sustainable electricity supply to millions of people, and this supply efficiency is particularly seen in solar power. According to the research, solar power’s rapid expansion and smart policymaking are altering India’s electrical industry, allowing it to supply clean, affordable, and reliable power to many families and businesses. However, as in other countries throughout the world, developing a means of sustainable transport and industrial sectors will be significantly more difficult.
According to India’s current policy choices, approximately 60% of CO2 emissions by the late 2030s will come from infrastructure and technologies that do not currently exist. This creates a significant window of opportunity for policymakers to promote energy efficiency in India and lead the nation towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient path. The additional financing for clean energy technology that India will need over the next 20 years is $1.4 trillion, or 70% more than in a scenario based on its current policy choices. However, the benefits are enormous, including significant savings on oil import bills.
Schemes to Promote Energy Efficiency in India
The Indian government has embraced a two-way approach to meet its residents’ energy needs while limiting CO2 emissions. On one hand, the government is encouraging greater use of renewable energy in the energy mix, mostly through solar and wind, while also turning to supercritical technology for coal-fired power plants. On the other hand, under the Energy Conservation Act 2001, attempts are being made to use energy on demand through various innovative policy approaches efficiently.
Energy Conversation Act, 2001
To ensure energy efficiency in India, the government passed the EC act in 2001 to lower the Indian economy’s energy intensity. On March 1, 2002, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established as its statutory body at the federal level to promote the implementation of the EC Act. The Act establishes regulatory requirements for equipment and appliance standards and labeling, commercial building energy conservation rules, and guidelines for energy efficiency in India (for energy-intensive sectors).
Through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the Ministry of Power has issued a series of initiatives to ensure energy efficiency in India. Especially in household lighting, commercial buildings, appliance standards, and labeling demand-side management in agriculture/municipalities, SMEs, and large industries, including the launch of a process to develop energy consumption norms for industrial subsectors and so on.
Get in touch with a Sustainable Energy Professional
Almost every government worldwide is taking systematic initiatives to ensure that energy is used efficiently and sustainably. These government steps, coupled with contributions from environmentally conscious individuals, will help steer the world towards a brighter tomorrow. It is advised that you should also make contributions to become more energy efficient. Hire the services of a reliable, sustainable energy professional to help you become a responsible citizen.
