Energy efficiency is one of the most important ways to conserve scarce energy resources and to protect the environment. Farsighted entrepreneurs from 388 units saved over Rs. 1.135 crore last year through energy conservation measures demonstrating the potential that exists in the country.
Giving away the Energy Conservation Awards on National Energy Conservation Day today the Union Power Minister, Shri SushilKumar Shinde said that these efforts will help towards safeguarding the energy safeguarding the energy security of our country. Expressing satisfaction that industrial units, office buildings, hotels and even zonal railways are leading the way in becoming more energy efficient, he said awareness raising efforts by children who are tomorrow’s decision makers is most heartening. Energy Conservation Awards were given to 61 top units and to schoolchildren who showcased their talent through a nationwide painting competition on “Conserve Energy” theme.
This year, 1 top rank award, 17 first prizes, 24 second prizes and 19 certificate of merits were handed out.
Data analysis of the 388 participating units shows that these units have avoided generation of 1288 million kWh/year of electrical energy, which is equivalent to energy generated from a 245 MW thermal power station in 2005-06.
These units demonstrate that a shinning and profitable future awaits companies that embrace energy conservation measures. Over the last 8 years of the Award scheme (1999-2006), the participating industrial units have been able to achieve an annual saving of Rs. 5,182 crore while demonstrating that investments made on energy efficiency projects were recoverable in 17 months flat. As far electricity alone is concerned, 1,112 MW of electrical power, 15.14 lakh kilolitre oil, 45.75 lakh metric tonne of coal and 17.66 billion cubit metre of gas have been saved.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency and IREDA have launched books and manual which provide best practices in energy efficiency, as well as methods to test the energy efficiency of units. In addition, the BEE has undertaken major efforts to create awareness among schoolchildren.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory organization established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, manages the National Energy Conservation Award Scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Power. BEE is also assisting industry and commercial establishments to meet the mandatory provisions of the Act initially though voluntary approach.
Through the National Campaign on Energy Conservation 2006, the Ministry of Power and BEE organized a Painting Competition on Energy Conservation in Schools at States and National levels. Over 3.99 lakh fourth and fifth standard children from 17,991 schools participated in this competition. The state level painting competition was held on 14th November, 2006 and two winners from this competition participated in the National Painting Competition on 12th December, 2006 at New Delhi.
The paintings drawn by the children reflect their interest in energy conservation and their concerns about the energy crisis. The Minister of Power, recognizing their achievements, gave away prizes to children whose paintings were selected for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize along with 5 consolation prizes constituted by the Ministry of Power and 2 special prizes constituted by the BEE.
Also present on the occasion were Secretary (Power), Shri R.V. Shahi; Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority, Shri Rakesh Nath; Additional Secretary (Power), Shri U.N. Panjiar; Additional Secretary, Shri Ajay Shankar; Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Shri Ajay Mathur;
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(Release ID :23313)