National Energy Conservation Awards

• 12 Jan 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Power, in association with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), organised the 30^th National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) function.

• During the event, the Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV on voluntary basis was initiated and SATHEE Portal was also launched.

Key Points

• National Energy Conservation Awards Programme:
  
  • The Ministry of Power had launched a scheme in 1991, to give national recognition through awards to industries and establishments that have taken special efforts to reduce energy consumption while maintaining their production.
    
    • The awards were given away for the first time on 14^th December, 1991, which was declared as the 'The National Energy Conservation Day'.
  • It recognizes the energy efficiency achievements in 56 sub-sectors across industry, establishments and institutions.
  • During the award ceremony, it was specifically mentioned that the impact of PAT Cycle II achieved emission reduction of 61 million ton of CO₂.

The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme

• It is a market-based mechanism to further accelerate as well as incentivize energy efficiency in the large energy-intensive industries.
• It provides the option to trade any additional certified energy savings with other designated consumers to comply with the Specific Energy Consumption reduction targets.
• It is being implemented by BEE, as a “flag bearer” which has not only demonstrated its promise in the country but also has found interest among many other countries.

• Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV:
  
  • It is to be carried out on a voluntary basis.
  • They are aimed to further enhance the level of energy conservation. This conserved energy can then be used for a different purpose in the home or workplace.
  • Besides saving energy, this programme could also facilitate reducing energy bills.
• SAATHEE Portal:
  
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed a Management Information System (MIS) portal namely State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency (SAATHEE).
    
    • For SDAs: It is a portal for the State Designated Agency (SDA) for state level activities.
    • Captures Status of Energy Efficiency: It will be useful in capturing the physical and financial status/ progress of Energy Efficiency activities being implemented by States/ UTs across the country. Thus, it will facilitate Real Time Monitoring.
    • Streamlines Decision Making and Compliance: It will also help in decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and implementation and enforcement of the compliance process for various energy consumers at the pan India level.
• Targets in Energy Efficiency:
  
  • India has one of the lowest per capita emissions and per capita energy consumption. Despite this the country has made ambitious commitments to meet the global challenge posed by climate change.
    
    • India has a target to reduce the emission intensity to 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 level, as part of commitments made during COP 21.
  • The Prime Minister’s vision aims at a climate mitigation goal, with a target for renewable energy capacity to be increased to 450 GW by 2030.
• Initiatives Aimed at Energy Conservation:
  
  • The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, Standard and Labelling and Demand Side Management, Energy Conservation Building Code, etc.

Note:

• SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes):
  
  • It is an initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology).
  • Objective: To provide a shared, professionally managed services and strong Science and Technology infrastructure/facilities, to service the demands of faculty, researchers, etc., to enable them to carry out R&D activities on a round the clock basis with minimum downtime.
• SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries) Initiative:
  • It is an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles.
  • Objective: To sustain and accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile technologies in the powerloom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology.
• SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital) Program:
  
  • It is a program of NITI Aayog.
  • Objective: To initiate transformation in the education and health sectors and build 3 future ‘role model’ states.

Source: PIB