Powering Sustainability: India Gears Up for National Energy Conservation Day 2024

Energy conservation is important, especially in a nation such as India, where urbanisation and industrialisation have skyrocketed energy demands. Alternative energy technologies do not just reduce reliance on non-renewable sources of energy but also lessen impacts on the environment, mitigating pollution and climate change. In the age of global focus to achieve net-zero targets, energy efficiency in India has never been more pressing.

National Energy Conservation Day is observed every year, on December 14, to raise awareness about energy conservation and to encourage a culture of sustainability among both individuals and companies. This day is organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, to highlight the need to save energy and make smarter choices for a brighter future.

The theme for this year is "Powering Sustainability: Every Watt Counts" which emphasises that even small steps toward energy conservation can collectively create a significant impact. The day calls for concerted efforts from citizens, industries, and governments to embrace eco-friendly habits and energy-efficient technologies.

In line with this, several renewable energy industry leaders have highlighted the importance of integrating sustainable energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints, drive innovation, and secure a cleaner future.

Gautam Mohanka, CEO, Gautam Solar, said, "On Energy Conservation Day, we earnestly owe our flourishing existence to renewable energy and acknowledge its crucial role in creating a sustainable future. By judiciously utilising natural resources like sunlight, wind, and water, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate the impact of climate change, and ensure the availability of cleaner air for future generations. Adopting solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy not only helps protect the planet but also promotes energy independence and security. On this day, let us all pledge to conserve energy, invest in renewables, and work together toward a greener, more sustainable world for the future."

Sameer Gupta, CMD, Jakson Group, remarked, ”As we commemorate National Energy Conservation Day 2024, it is essential to recognize that energy conservation is a shared responsibility requiring collective effort. Energy efficiency and sustainability are not mere aspirations but fundamental to a greener, more resilient future. Energy conservation is key to achieving India’s net-zero goals. By adopting renewable energy solutions such as Green Hydrogen, Solar & Wind Power, and clean technologies, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprints, driving impactful change. At Jakson Group, we are committed to spearheading this transformation by supporting India's energy goals and inspiring industries and communities to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable tomorrow."

Gyanesh Chaudhary, CMD, Vikram Solar Limited, stated, “National Energy Conservation Day is a call to action. It is a reminder that every day, every action and every choice we make can contribute to a sustainable future. From small steps to global initiatives, we must ensure that our current needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It’s essential to build a world that thrives and not just survives. Implementation of projects like BESS, VGF and PSP signify a major step forward in enhancing energy efficiency with policy support for the same even from the Government of India. As an organization that is connected to the sector of energy directly, we acknowledge our role in fostering sustainable development to build a greener, more resilient planet."

Vijay Karia, Chairman and Managing Director at Ravin Group, commented, “National Energy Conservation Day is a reminder of the pivotal role industries must play in driving sustainability. As a cable manufacturer, our commitment continues when we look at our energy-efficient solutions that avoid energy wastage. We aim to provide a green future. Electrical cables and accessories are recognised as the main tools for generating energy transmissions and minimising losses through systems.

Amit Jain, CEO and Country Manager ENGIE, India, emphasised, "At ENGIE, we are at the forefront of energy transition, committed to achieving net zero emissions. National Energy Conservation Day is a crucial reminder of the need to use energy efficiently and conserve our natural resources. By leveraging clean energy sources, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and drive the transition towards a sustainable energy future. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener planet for future generations by adopting innovative solutions and fostering a culture of energy conservation. Let's harness the power of clean energy to build a resilient energy ecosystem."

Jitendra Agrawal, CEO, Surya Roshni - Lighting and Consumer Durables Business, said, "India is witnessing a transformative shift towards energy efficiency, and we are proud to be a part of this journey with our portfolio of durable, high-performance LED lamps, tube lights, fans, and water heaters that consume up to 75 percent less electricity. This shift has led to an impressive 50 percent reduction in energy consumption over the last year, which reflects the tremendous potential of LED technology in saving costs and fostering sustainability for households and industries. Programs like the Energy Efficient Products initiative by Energy Efficiency Services Limited have been a catalyst for this change. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability includes providing solar lighting solutions, enabling communities with renewable energy alternatives, and reducing dependence on traditional energy sources."

“Energy conservation is a cornerstone of India’s journey towards a sustainable future. At Hartek Group, our efforts to integrate 10 GW of solar energy into the grid and save over 300 million tonnes of carbon emissions reflect our commitment to driving impactful change. Through advancements in high-voltage infrastructure, smart grid solutions, and efficient project execution, we are strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem. These initiatives are aligned with the nation’s energy goals, ensuring long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and a robust transition to a low-carbon economy,” commented Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director and CEO, Hartek Group.

Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, said, "India's economic growth and energy resilience hinge on a successful transition to renewable energy. With a target of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, the country is poised to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and fortify its energy infrastructure. This ambitious goal necessitates a shift toward reliable, round-the-clock renewable power, strengthened by advanced energy storage and multi located generating stations. At Serentica, we are committed to delivering dependable and scalable energy solutions that empower industries, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to India's low-carbon future. Together, we can drive the adoption of renewables and build a sustainable, energy-efficient economy."

Prince Gandhi, CEO & Founder of CEID Consultants & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., said, "India has made substantial strides in the use of renewable energy toward both environmental and energy-related ends. The government has been one of the driving forces in encouraging innovative approaches, primarily in the area of waste-to-energy, which is fast emerging as a catalyst for change in sustainable development. By establishing several CBG plants, India is effectively turning waste products, ranging from household waste and agricultural residue to industrial by-product as the primary sources of energy for producing biogas and electricity. These initiatives not only contribute to the national energy grid but also tackle the growing waste management crisis in urban areas. By promoting the use of organic waste for biogas production, the government has created systems that reduce landfill use, minimize methane emissions, and generate clean energy in the process. The focus on integrating renewable energy solutions with waste management is helping India move towards a circular economy, where waste is seen as a resource rather than a burden."

Tanya Singhal, Founder at Mynzo Carbon and SolarArise, stated, Energy conservation is not just about reducing consumption; it's about reimagining how we produce, distribute, and utilise energy for a sustainable future. Renewable energy stands at the heart of this transformation, offering clean, reliable, and affordable solutions. India’s progress in renewables, particularly solar and wind, is a testament to innovation and resilience, proving that sustainable energy can power economies without compromising the planet. With costs for solar and wind now lower than coal and conventional sources, and storage technologies becoming increasingly affordable, we are entering an era where 24/7 low-cost renewable power can be generated without any issues of intermittency while ensuring reliability and grid stability."

KA Chowdary, Chief Projects and Operations Officer, EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt. Ltd., remarked, “Energy Conservation Day is a reminder of the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices that balance growth with environmental care. A circular economy, where waste is repurposed as a resource, is key to this effort. Compressed Biogas (CBG), with its dual ability to reduce emissions and manage organic waste sustainably, stands out as a game-changer. By scaling CBG and other bioenergy solutions, we can drive a clean energy transition while strengthening rural economies. By prioritizing these efforts, we can create a self-sustaining ecosystem that promotes economic growth while safeguarding the planet for future generations."

Haziq Beg, COO, Apraava Energy, said, "At Apraava, sustainability is deeply embedded in our value system, serving as the guiding principle for all that we do. We are committed to taking conscious actions toward energy conservation, starting with our plant operations and offices across India. Our efforts extend beyond operations to include raising awareness among employees (our #ActionAmbassadors), communities, and partners about the importance of using energy responsibly. By championing the efficient use of energy resources, we are actively contributing to a sustainable future where every watt truly counts."

Gul Basantani, Partner, Government, Infrastructure and Development sector Advisory Services, Forvis Mazars in India, said, "Hydrogen and green fuels are crucial for building a sustainable energy future. By 2030, we expect over 500 large-scale hydrogen projects worldwide, backed by more than USD 500 billion in investments. These projects will help reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy. According to the IEA, clean hydrogen alone could cut global CO₂ emissions by 830 million tonnes every year. Green fuels like ammonia, biofuels, and synthetic fuels are also key to tackling energy challenges in industries like aviation and shipping. These solutions not only help reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels but also strengthen energy security. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, hydrogen and green fuels must take center stage in the global energy mix."

Brathaban Karuppaiah - Country General Manager, SBM Offshore India, commented, “At SBM Offshore India, we are dedicated to accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future. As pioneers in offshore engineering, we harness our expertise to create impactful solutions like floating offshore wind energy and our emissionZERO® program, targeting near-zero emissions from our operations. On National Energy Conservation Day, we reaffirm our commitment to energy efficiency and innovation. Every watt saved and every renewable resource harnessed moves us closer to a cleaner, greener tomorrow. We urge industry leaders and individuals alike to take bold, collective action, embracing sustainability in all aspects of life and advancing an energy-efficient world.”

“While our country is taking significant strides towards Viksit Bharat 2047, it is also developing a strategic approach to mitigate the ongoing climate change with a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Navigating these dual targets of economic growth and sustainability calls for green technology solutions, critical for monitoring the carbon footprint of Indian enterprises. On this Energy Conservation Day, we must acknowledge the importance of adopting climate consciousness in our choices and accelerate the ride towards decarbonisation. We at Honeywell, with a legacy of 90+ years in India and best-in-class solutions across green hydrogen, CCUS, energy storage, and emissions monitoring technologies, are committed to being a strong partner in India’s quest towards clean economic growth," said Ranjit Kulkarni, Vice President & General Manager, Energy & Sustainability Solutions, Honeywell India.

Richa Varshney, Director and Business Head - Renewable Energy, Tembo Global Industries Limited, said, "Energy Conservation Day highlights the urgent need for a shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Renewable energy is central to reducing our environmental impact and ensuring a sustainable future for the next generations. At Tembo Global Industries Ltd., we are dedicated to tapping into renewable resources like solar and wind power to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainability. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and expanding the use of renewable energy, we can reduce our reliance on non-renewable sources and play an active role in the global movement towards energy conservation."

Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vedanta Aluminium, remarked, "At Vedanta Aluminium, excellence in energy management is integral to our journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This has led to breakthrough innovations such as the patented ‘Vedanta Lining Design’ for our smelting pots, which reduces energy consumption by 200–250 kWh per tonne of aluminium produced. This is augmented by initiatives such as increasing the quantum of renewables in our energy mix, enabling us to make significant strides in boosting our energy efficiency while simultaneously lowering our carbon footprint. Energy Conservation Week is an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to pioneering practices that contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the planet.”

Pavan Kumar Maddheshia, General Manager- (O&M) Asset Management, Sunsure Energy Pvt. Ltd. commented, "Conserving energy and adopting renewable solutions are two sides of the same coin – a powerful strategy to reduce our carbon footprint and secure a sustainable future. Every kilowatt saved and every kilowatt generated from renewables brings us closer to a healthier planet. At Sunsure Energy, we are committed to helping Indian businesses transition to green energy, empowering them with sustainable solutions for a cleaner, more resilient world. Together, through conservation and innovation, we can build that future.”

Sharad Bhushan, Executive Director, Environment, Water, and Energy, AECOM India, said, "India’s energy demand is projected to grow exponentially as we strive to meet developmental goals while addressing climate imperatives. Our transition to a low-carbon economy requires collective action across sectors to conserve energy and minimise wastage. Every kilowatt-hour saved not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also brings us closer to energy security and economic sustainability. AECOM is proud to contribute to India’s energy transition through innovative and energy-efficient solutions. From designing smart cities with renewable energy integration to implementing state-of-the-art wastewater treatment systems powered by solar energy, our projects exemplify the synergy between conservation and progress."

Udit Garg, Chairman and Managing Director, Kundan Green Energy, stated, "Energy conservation is a vast and varied area with applications across each stage and each category of its generation, transmission, and end-use. As in the case of any resource, conservation can be equated with availability and is, therefore, a contributory attribute in the positive sense. From the perspective of generation, renewable and green energy not only minimizes environmental impacts and is sustainable, but it is also complementary to conservation through in-built energy efficiencies in technologically contemporary facilities and plants. In transmission, the measures range from optimizing distribution voltage to balancing phase currents to minimizing technical losses. The real impact to scale, however, lies in end-use. Besides consumer discretion in a variety of practical habits, this is aided by energy-efficient products, programmable thermostats, energy management, and control systems, amongst others."

Rajeev Kashyap, Nextracker SVP and General Manager for India, Middle East and Africa, stated, "National Energy Conservation Day 2024 reminds us of the collective power of our efforts to conserve energy and build a sustainable future. To meet India’s renewable energy goals, solutions such as solar trackers are vital in maximizing efficiency and reducing energy waste. At Nextracker, we are proud to have deployed over 5 GW of solar trackers across India, overcoming local challenges to significantly boost energy output. We stay steadfast in our commitment to focus on research and development to drive down the LCOE and enhance the yield. Each step forward, every project, and every watt saved brings us closer to a sustainable, energy-efficient future.”

Observing National Energy Conservation Day provides an opportunity for educational campaigns, industry workshops, and community initiatives. From adopting efficient appliances to implementing renewable energy solutions, every action counts toward a sustainable future. This year, let’s take a step forward in safeguarding our energy resources and commit to 'powering sustainability' for generations to come.