Large savings possible from efficient agri pumps
The potential electricity saving in the Indian economy is large enough to wipe out the energy deficit. This is shown by a recent study on electricity conservation potential in the country, commissioned by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and conducted by the National Producitivity Council.
The study shows that the total energy saving potential in the 35 states and Union territories of India is 75,360 million units (MU), while the overall energy deficit is lesser, at 73,090 MU. This is based on data for the financial year 2007-08.
“Though the study is based on the 2007-08 data, the trends underlying the energy saving potential and the deficit remain the same even today. The broad conclusions of the study remain valid,” BEE Director General Ajay Mathur told Business Standard.
The biggest energy saving potential is in Andhra Pradesh. The study shows this potential at 8,209 MU in 2007-08, which is over three times the energy deficit of 2,628 MU in the state.
Bulk of these energy savings could be achieved by simply moving to more energy efficient agricultural pumpsets.
Overall energy saving possible by moving to more efficient pumpsets across the country is 27,790 MU, which is almost 40 per cent of the total saving potential. Andhra Pradesh, in fact, has the highest saving potential as far as pumpsets are concerned, followed by Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Energy saving potential is also significant in the domestic sector, as well as in small-scale companies and large industries. On average, electricity saving potential in India is estimated at 15 per cent of consumption, on a conservative basis, the studys says. The other states where savings potential is far in excess of the deficit include Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan and West Bengal. The power ministry is hopeful that this study will excite the states and get them to act on energy efficiency initiatives.
Energy Efficiency is one of the eight missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The mission proposes to create a market for energy efficiency by introducing tradable energy efficiency certificates.
| SAVINGS AND SOURCES Total Energy Saving Potential: 75,360 Million Units In 2007-08 | |
| From: | |
| Efficient agricultural pumps | 0.4 |
| Domestic sector | 0.3 |
| Industry (including small-scale) | 0.3 |
| Municipalities | 0.0 |
| Commercial buildings | 0.0 |
| Source: National Productivity Council Study commissioned by Bureau of Energy Efficiency | |
| FIVE LARGEST POTENTIAL ENERGY SAVERS | |
| State | Saving potential* |
| Andhra Pradesh | 8,209 MU |
| Gujarat | 7,928 MU |
| Tamil Nadu | 7,822 MU |
| Maharashtra | 7,757 MU |
| Karnataka | 6,290 MU |
| *In 2007-08 Source: National Productivity Council Study commissioned by Bureau of Energy Efficiency | |
This is one of the key initiatives through which India’s energy intensity, and emissions intensity, would improve.
The overall market for energy efficiency products, services and certificates is estimated to be worth Rs 74,000 crore.
The government is also proposing to soon operationalise the proposed Rs 95-crore Partial Risk Guarantee Fund for energy efficiency projects and the Rs 75-crore Venture Capital Fund for Energy Efficiency.
