Small scale industry urged to increase efficiency

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Fapcci) in collaboration with Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (Nedcap) organised a programme on 'Energy conservation for industrial sector' here on Monday.

Inaugurating the programme, Lingaraj Panigrahi, Nedcap vice-chairman and managing director, said, "The industry in India, nurtured under a protectionist policy regime, has failed to evolve into an efficient manufacturing sector. Now with the technical and tariff barriers gone, to remain competitive, the small scale industry needs to increase efficiency and cut down on energy costs."

Devendra Surana, chairman of energy committee, Fapcci, said that a study revealed that a 23 per cent reduction in the use of energy in India was possible without forgoing production, quality or efficiency. The five industrial sectors that consume chunk of the energy were fertilisers, textiles, sugar, cement and steel, he said.

The technical session had presentations on energy conservation in compressed air systems and electrical drives.

The programme was held as part of the National Energy Conservation Week celebrations being held from December 14-21, 2005.