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Energy efficiency refers to lesser usage of energy while getting the same service. To better understand, let us take the example of a compact fluorescent bulb. A compact fluorescent bulb utilises much less energy than an incandescent bulb. Hence, to promote energy efficiency in India or worldwide, people have started to replace their incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. The Indian government has developed an action plan for energy conservation to attain the benefits of energy efficiency implementation.
Impact of Energy Efficiency Mission in India
Energy efficiency in India has risen significantly over the past decade. For example, if we compare India’s energy efficiency to China’s, India is nearly 1.5 times more energy efficient.
Such an improvement is the result of increased energy efficiency implementation in cities. This has also led to a reduction in the cost of electricity. One more reason can be the development of more energy-efficient plants.
Moreover, the industrial enterprises in India are shifting towards rural areas. Industrial enterprises require more energy and so they are building their plants in rural areas. Some important impacts of energy efficiency in India are:
Economy
Energy efficiency in India can have macroeconomic impacts. It can lead to a boost in the economy and create more job opportunities. Energy efficiency decreases the need for energy for services like lighting and heating.
Employment
The market for energy services provides a good chance of employment. This is because the demand for energy-efficient products and services increases with each passing day.
However, small or medium enterprises face difficulty implementing energy efficiency plants to increase energy efficiency since it may not be cost-effective for them.
Hence, to curb this shortcoming, the Indian government has developed an action plan for energy conservation. These plans are discussed further in this article.
Government Initiative for Energy Efficiency in India
To create awareness about energy efficiency, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed an action plan for energy conservation. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has also developed a State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index. This was made to make policies and programmes for states to improve energy efficiency in India across sectors.
Moreover, the government of India has introduced The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) for proper energy efficiency implementation. It is one of the eight programmes under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) has four main schemes. These are-
Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT)
The objective of this scheme is to reduce Specific Energy Consumption (SEC). Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) is the energy usage per production unit. This is for Designated Consumers (DC s) present in energy-intensive sectors. It is an associated market mechanism that is useful in enhancing cost-efficiency. This is achieved by having a certificate of excess energy saving. This can also be traded.
Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE)
This scheme speeds up the transfer to energy-efficient appliances in designated sectors. This is done with the help of innovative incentives and business models. Some programs introduced under MTEE are-
- Bachat Lamp Yojna (BLY)
- Super-Efficient Equipment Program(SEEP)
Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP)
This program aims to help interact with Financial Institutions(FI s). It also helps to interact with project developers, which is useful to implement projects concerned with energy efficiency in India. For this programme Memorandum of Understanding (MoU s) has been signed by BEE. This will help in promoting financing for energy efficiency projects.
Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (FEED)
This scheme aimed to develop fiscal instruments that would help promote energy efficiency in India. It was formed with the concern of offering comfort to worried stakeholders. This is done by implementing energy efficiency schemes like the Partial Risk Sharing Facility (PRSF).
Other Government Initiatives for Energy Efficiency in India
Here are some more initiatives by the government to promote energy efficiency in India-
Standard and Labelling
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) took the initiative to introduce performance labels on appliances that use high energy. The main objective of this scheme is to provide the consumer with the information on energy-saving details of the appliances so that the consumer could make an informed choice. This drastically helps in energy efficiency in India.
School Education programme by BEE and NCERT
Energy clubs have been established in schools to create awareness about India’s need for energy efficiency. BEE also has an intention to give written material on energy efficiency and conservation.
Human Resources Development
Human Resources Development helps in promoting energy efficiency by creating awareness. This helps to promote energy-efficient practices hence increasing energy efficiency in India.
Technological Innovations
Some technological innovations that promote energy efficiency in India are:
- Electric vehicles: To create a mass appeal for this environment-friendly vehicle, the government has removed the requirement of a licence for charging stations.
- Metres: The government has made it mandatory to have smart metres in households. Most importantly, more than fifty lakh smart metres have been procured.
- Labelling: Stars are labelled on devices indicating the device’s energy efficiency.
- Energy Efficient Building Codes: The provision of energy efficient building codes for buildings that are energy efficient was launched in 2017.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency in India has increased considerably. This is due to the implementation of energy efficiency through various government programs. These programs are- PAT, MTEE, EEFP, and more. These programs have helped to promote energy efficiency throughout the country. Lastly, if the rules for energy efficiency are followed vehemently, then India can significantly help in reducing energy consumption and increase the level of energy conservation.
