In a freewheeling chat, R K Rai, Secretary, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India opens up to Sudheer Goutham on a gamut of issues pertaining to renewable energy
Q. What is the potential of renewable energy?
Every unit of energy saved, is every unit of energy generated.It was the motto of past, of present and will be in future as well. Target is climate mitigation and for that production of energy will have to be balanced in tune with the economy. To produce energy for use, saving energy for the availability of all in nook and corner of the country will have to be carried out efficiently. At the same time, carbon emissions have to be reduced. If India has to achieve the energy efficiency target, 51 percent can be met through energy efficiency only. Renewable energy will provide 48 percent energy for use.
Q. What is the resource-wise energy consumption pattern in India?
Major consumption of energy is from coal and crude oil which stands the highest in consumption. This is a concern due to climate mitigation. Sectorwise industries consume highest, then buildings and transport. The manner in which residential buildings are coming up with 3 billion square feet by 2030 then we have to focus on energy efficiency and green buildings along with effective industrial use.
Q. What is the sector-wise consumption of energy in India?
Energy consumption by industry is 48 percent, buildings are 31 percent but by 2030 buildings are surely going to surpass industries considering the cooling requirements.
Q. What is the present state of energy efficiency and how will it accelerate in the future?
The base for energy efficiency was the Energy Conservation Act 2001 which was enacted by centre and implemented by states. There are various provisions and schemes which are enacted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and implemented on the ground by state agencies. Perform, Achieve and Trade, Energy Conservation Building Code, standard and labeling which helps to achieve the energy efficiency target in the country.
Q. What are the steps taken to ensure that Energy Conservation Act 2001 is implemented and properly monitored?
There is a need for more amendments in the Energy Conservation Act after the Paris Agreement of 2015 we have to meet more targets. We are trying to get more sectors in the EC Act where the state has its own state energy efficiency department to ensure compliance. The other forms of energy like hydrogen fuel, carbon market is also being brought in the ambit of the Act. Earlier there were only commercial buildings evaluated but now residential buildings are also being brought in green code. We have expanded vertically and horizontally in implementing and enforcing the Act and made it more robust.
Q. Where does India stand in carbon emissions and climate change initiatives?
India is and will be the leader in climate mitigation measures due to our leaders. We have put more emphasis on our targets of renewable energy. We are looking at 50 percent of energy generation from renewable resources for use from the supply side. On the demand side, we are trying to see that consumers are more aware and they use energyefficient appliances for smallscale industries that use more than 28 percent of energy. Carbon mitigation is addressed through a two-pronged approach of supply and information. We are also looking at energy-efficient power plants to control carbon emissions.
Q. How is technology being used to drive energy efficiency?
Information is the key to awareness and we are using it in terms of initiatives of Perform, Achieve and Trade. We are also looking at industry 4.0 building capacity through technology and a special vertical under the power finance corporation. This will work towards providing subsidies to industries to help them opt for higher technologies.
Q. How is Telangana performing in terms of energy conservation and in innovations for energy efficiency?
It is heartening to see the work that Telangana has done in renewable energy. Their major focus is on renewable energy where they have done tremendously well. For instance, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS)has done well in saving energy. I have found that in each district they are having energy-saving cells which is a success story that must be replicated by other states.
Q. Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited is to host the 5th energy conservation awards. Your comments.
India is right now the leader in the carbon mitigation program. The efforts put by states go a long way in achieving this stature nationally. Telangana government is recognizing the efforts of individuals gives inspiration to others to follow as a role model. I congratulate the state for organizing these awards and TSREDCO for their 5th edition.
Q. How has energy efficiency and Swachh Bharat been accepted by people?
Ans. The star rating for energy is now known by the masses and thanks to our state agencies they have taken this to schools, school clubs, colleges and there is a growing awareness among housewives. The same zeal has been noted in Swachh Bharat where we found that these four categories of social strata are the messengers. They have ensured awareness of cleanliness and its implementation became a part and parcel of everyone’s life. It is a work in progress.
Q. What is your message to youngsters?
Youngsters should go for entrepreneurship. There are various government schemes, initiatives, lot of non-government organizations are working in this field, young India must offer jobs for people and not ask for jobs. My personal request to all would be to save one unit of energy per month so that we can conserve 134 crore units.
(R K Rai did his Masters from IIT Roorkee in thermal engineering and joined the government working in MSME for the last 28 years in different verticals. He is now with Bureau of Energy Efficiency as a secretary with the power ministry Government of India.)