ENERCON-2023 A step towards promoting energy efficiency in Indian industry

In a remarkable initiative to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Andhra Pradesh successfully organised the second edition of ENERCON here on Wednesday, bringing together industry stalwarts and experts to explore and promote energy efficiency in the Indian industrial landscape. The overarching theme of ENERCON 2023, ‘Making Indian Industry Energy Efficient and World Class’, resonated throughout the event, emphasising the need for sustainable practices to propel the Indian industry to international standards.
Dr V Murali Krishna, Vice-Chairman of CII Andhra Pradesh, said: “ENERCON is a significant step towards making Indian industries energy-efficient and globally competitive. We have collaborated with energy-intensive sectors to create sectoral benchmarks for energy efficiency. CII’s Net Zero Movement is crucial to strengthen sustainability efforts in the country.”
S Ramana Reddy, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NREDCAP, stressed the global move towards Net Zero targets in combating climate change. He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s strategic position to leverage opportunities and establish a green hydrogen economy in the state. Reddy outlined the potential of green hydrogen production through renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector and transportation, aligning with the Mission LiFE objectives.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh’s promotion of Pumped Storage Hydro Power Projects (PSP) to balance Variable Renewable Energy and meet peak power demand was highlighted.
Techno-Commercial feasibility reports for 29 locations were prepared, estimating a potential of 33,240 MW. DPRs are being formulated for 20,900 MW in a phased manner.
Prudhvi Tej Immadi, Chairman and Managing Director of APEPDCL, emphasised the increasing need for storage grids with the rise of renewable energy. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative, aimed at linking the world to clean solar energy. Immadi mentioned the installation of smart meters across industrial units, commercial ventures, and government offices to enhance energy audit capabilities and curb power theft.
In a special address, Vishal S Budhia, Vice-Chairman of CII Southern Gujarat Zone and Chairman&MD of Steamhouse, said that allocating resources to research and development (R&D) for efficient fossil fuel utilisation was crucial. Discouraging investments in fossil fuel-based technologies hinders progress in R&D efforts, he added.