GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Jan. India is determined to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, as stated in the updated NDC. In line with this goal, the coal sector is taking the lead in implementing energy conservation and efficiency measures, recognizing the importance of responsible energy resource utilization. The significance of these efforts is that saving one unit of energy at the consumption level can potentially reduce the need for new capacity creation by 2 to 2.5 times.
Over the past three years, Coal/Lignite PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) have actively pursued various energy conservation and efficiency measures. These include conducting energy audits, transitioning to energy-efficient LED lights, adopting star-rated appliances, installing capacitor banks, using auto-timers in street lights, and deploying energy-efficient pumps and electric vehicles. These initiatives directly contribute to a significant reduction in carbon footprint, aligning with global environmental sustainability goals.
Coal India Limited has signed an MOU with Energy Efficiency Services Limited to implement comprehensive energy efficiency programs at CIL and its subsidiaries. This initiative includes projects for building energy efficiency, the replacement of outdated fans, air conditioners, and conventional light fittings and motors, the adoption of electric vehicles, and the installation of distributed and rooftop solar projects.
In a major achievement, Coal/Lignite PSUs have successfully replaced all conventional lights with energy-efficient LED lights across their command areas, premises, headquarters, mines, offices, warehouses, colonies, residences, campuses, and restrooms. This milestone demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, as it not only addresses lighting requirements but also replaces inefficient lighting systems with environmentally friendly alternatives.
From FY 2021-22 to December 2023, Coal/Lignite PSUs have made commendable efforts towards energy efficiency. This includes replacing 4.24 lakh conventional lights with LED lights, installing 5357 energy-efficient air conditioners, 83236 super fans, deploying 201 electric vehicles, adopting 1583 efficient water heaters, installing 444 energy-efficient motors for pumps, implementing 2712 auto-timers in street lights, and installing capacitor banks. These energy efficiency measures have resulted in a total energy savings of 14.34 crore kWh and financial savings of Rs 107.6 crore. Furthermore, these endeavors have played a vital role in promoting environmental sustainability, leading to a collective reduction of 1.17 lakh tonnes of CO2 equivalent in carbon emissions.
The Secretary (Coal) has reviewed the energy efficiency measures undertaken by Coal/Lignite PSUs on January 19, 2024, and has appreciated the remarkable work being done in the coal sector. During the meeting, the Secretary (Coal) suggested exploring the use of electric vehicles in transportation and mining operations in consultation with DGMS, implementing building energy efficiency measures in all the buildings of Coal/Lignite PSUs in a phased manner, and using LNG vehicles in mining operations.
The various initiatives towards energy conservation by Coal/Lignite PSUs reaffirm their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and embracing innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency across their operations while meeting the nation’s energy demands.
The commitment of Coal/Lignite PSUs to this initiative aligns with the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, which includes a voluntary commitment by the G20 and CoP-28 to double the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030.
