Energy efficiency stands as a cornerstone of sustainable development, weaving together the threads of progress and environmental stewardship. In India, this deep dedication to sustainability is passionately commemorated on December 14 as National Energy Conservation Day. This annual observance shines as a ray of hope and shared responsibility, underscoring the critical need for adopting sustainable energy practices. Far beyond a ceremonial occasion, it serves as a driving force for individuals, industries, and institutions to embrace energy efficiency, paving the way for a greener, more harmonious future.

Background and Significance

National Energy Conservation Day serves as a reminder of the vital role energy plays in our lives and the urgency of conserving it. Introduced in 1991, this day is championed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, symbolizing the nation's commitment to energy efficiency and conservation.  Energy conservation, at its core, is about reducing unnecessary energy usage by promoting efficient practices and technologies. It is a collective responsibility that requires integrating energy-conscious behaviour into our daily routines. By doing so, we not only save resources for future generations but also contribute to reducing environmental degradation.

National Energy Conservation Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Energy Efficiency

A showstopper of the National Energy Conservation Day celebrations is the prestigious National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA), an initiative by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. Instituted in 1991, alongside the declaration of National Energy Conservation Day, these awards honour the exceptional efforts of industrial units, institutions, and establishments that have significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining or enhancing their operational efficiency.

Each year, on December 14, these awards are presented by esteemed dignitaries. Over the years, the NECA has evolved into a prominent platform, fostering a spirit of competition and innovation among stakeholders across various sectors to excel in energy conservation.

The 2024 National Energy Conservation Awards will be presented during the Energy Conservation Day celebrations on December 14, 2024. This grand ceremony will shine a spotlight on pioneering and impactful projects from across India, showcasing how organizations are enhancing energy efficiency and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Participation in NECA not only brings national recognition to organizations but also inspires others to adopt best practices in energy conservation, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship. Since its inception, the awards have encouraged industries and establishments to adopt innovative measures and technologies, setting benchmarks in sustainable energy practices.

To see the final list of awardees click here.

Steps Taken by the Government for Energy Conservation

India's dedication to energy sustainability is evident in its strides in power generation, renewable energy, and infrastructure upgrades, paving the way for a greener future. Key initiatives include (MOP Annual Report 2023-24):

Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme

 The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme is a mechanism designed to achieve energy reduction in energy intensive industries and it is designed on the concept of reduction in Specific Energy Consumption (SEC). The programme has saved energy worth Rs. 55,000 Crore annually and about 110 million ton of CO2 emissions have been avoided.

Standard and Labelling (S&L) Programme

The Standards and Labelling (S&L) Program is one of the major thrust areas of BEE. This Program was launched with the key objective of providing consumers an informed choice about the energy and cost saving potential of the labelled appliances/ equipment being sold commercially. As on March 2024, the S&L program covers the star labeling for 38 appliances, out of which 16 appliances are under mandatory regime and remaining 22 appliances are under voluntary phase.

“Go Electric” Campaign

 Ministry of Power launched the "GO ELECTRIC" Campaign on 19th February 2021.The objective of this campaign is to create awareness among masses about benefits of switching over to Electric Vehicles (EVs), including various initiatives taken by Centre & State Governments to enhance acceptability of Electric Vehicles, and Electrical Cooking.

EV Yatra” web portal and Mobile Application

BEE launched “EV Yatra” web-portal & Mobile App on 14th Dec 2022 with the objective of creating awareness among the EV users and masses at large to promote e-mobility in the country. The portal has been developed to evolve as a National online database of operational public EV charging stations, in the country wherein an EV users can check availability of the nearest compatible EV charger for complaint with their electric vehicles in addition to other services.

Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for ALL (UJALA)

Hon’ble Prime Minister, on 5th January 2015 launched UnnatJyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) program. Under UJALA scheme, LED bulbs, LED Tube lights and Energy efficient fans are being sold to the domestic consumers for replacement of conventional and inefficient variants. Across India, 36.87 Crore LED bulbs and 72 Lakh LED Tube lights have been distributed by EESL. As per the Data from Lighting Industry, approximately 382 Crore LED Bulbs and 151 Crore LED Tube Lights have been sold by the private industry, in addition to the bulbs and tube lights distributed by EESL. This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 176.2 billion kWh per year, GHG emission reduction of 125 million ton CO2 per year and estimated annual monetary savings of INR 70,477 crore in consumer electricity bills.

Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)

 Hon’ble Prime Minister, on 5thJanuary, 2015 launched Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) to replace conventional street lights with smart and energy efficient LED street lights across India. Till date, EESL has installed over 1.30 crore LED Street Lights in ULBs and Gram Panchayats across India. This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 8.76 billion kWh per year with avoided peak demand of 1,459 MW, GHG emission reduction of 6.03 million ton CO2 per year and estimated annual monetary savings of INR 6,130 crore in electricity bills of municipalities.

These initiatives underscore the government's commitment to energy conservation, efficiency, and transitioning towards a greener energy future.

The Road Ahead

National Energy Conservation Day is more than an annual event; it is a movement that seeks to instil a culture of energy consciousness in India. As the nation progresses, the emphasis on sustainable practices and energy efficiency becomes increasingly crucial. By aligning individual actions with national objectives, we can collectively illuminate the path to a greener, more sustainable future.

References

• https://neca.beeindia.gov.in/index
• https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/dec/doc20221213144501.pdf
• https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2021/dec/doc2021121501.pdf
• NECA Awards book: https://neca.beeindia.gov.in/publication
• Annual Report 2023-24: https://powermin.gov.in/en/content/annual-reports-year-wise-ministry

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena / Madiha Iqbal

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