Centre sets energy-saving target for states

PNS|Vijayawada

Union Ministry of Power-led Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has set a target for all the States to save 150 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) by 2030 under which a target of 6.68 mtoe energy savings to Andhra Pradesh.

BEE Director General Abhay Bakre during a meeting with the State Designated Agencies (SDAs) said that the Union Power Minister R K Singh and Secretary Power, Alok Kumar insisted on raising wider public awareness about the impact of energy efficiency and ill effects of climate change with the support of state governments, as well as implementing energy efficiency programmes that contribute to addressing climate change by 50 per cent.

He asked all SDAs to devise plans to tap the huge energy savings investment potential of around Rs 10 lakh crore by 2031 in key sectors including industrial, commercial, domestic, transport, municipal and agricultural sectors in the country.

Abhay advised all SDAs to undertake the implementation of pilot projects in fast-track mode. The officials of AP State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM), the State Designated Agency of Andhra Pradesh explained that the State has reduced around 1.204 million tonnes of oil equivalent energy through the implementation of the Perform, Achieve, and Trade Scheme in Industries so far.

The Facilitation centre of BEE has identified 30 energy efficiency financing projects which is the highest number among the other States with an estimated project cost of around Rs 412.30 crore.