-Andhra Pradesh is one of the best destinations for investments in energy efficiency, as highlighted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
-Huge potential in tapping energy efficiency helps in economic development and employment generation
-Secretary Milind Deora thanked Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu for supporting for accelerating energy efficiency initiatives
Vijayawada, Neti Patrika Prajavartha :
The Union Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has urged all State Designated Agencies (SDAs) of Southern States, particularly proactive States like Andhra Pradesh, to intensify their focus on energy efficiency and Mission LiFE. This initiative highlights the immense potential for attracting global investments in key sectors such as industry, urban development, agriculture, and building sectors, thereby enhancing the state’s international prominence. This appeal is particularly crucial for Amaravati, the new capital city and the future growth engine for Andhra Pradesh.
BEE senior officers, including Deputy DG Dr. Asok Kumar, Secretary Milind Deora, and Directors Sourabh Didi, Khandare, Abhisek Sarma, Samal, Sameer Pandit, SK. Varma, AS Gupta, Syam Sunder, and Kamron Shaik, held detailed discussions on the status and impact of BEE’s energy efficiency programs being implemented by State Designated Agencies across the country.
After the discussions, Secretary Milind Deora, while interacting with Northern & Southern Regional States Media Advisers on Communication Strategies, emphasized the significant economic and environmental benefits achieved through energy efficiency across India and the potential for states like Andhra Pradesh to reap similar rewards. He pointed out the global marketplace opportunity to scale annual investments in energy efficiency and electrification to over USD 1.5 trillion before 2030, with at least USD 840 million per year earmarked for energy efficiency.
Explaining the potential benefits of energy efficiency, he cited an example that in the fiscal year 2021-22, BEE’s energy efficiency measures resulted in monetary benefits worth Rs 160,721 crore, marking a substantial boost to the Indian economy. These initiatives have also significantly reduced carbon emissions, contributing to India’s sustainable development goals. The energy savings achieved—249.88 billion units of electricity and 23.85 million tonnes of oil equivalent in thermal energy annually—translate to a total saving of 44.43 million tonnes of oil equivalent, which is 6% of the country’s total primary energy supply.
In this context, Secretary Deora expressed gratitude for the Andhra Pradesh government’s support, particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, for accelerating energy efficiency initiatives, which will have a major impact on providing highly qualitative power supply to consumers. He thanked the Chief Minister’s participation in the Mission LiFE poster inaugural programme, initiated by Media Adviser Southern States/UTs in coordination with the Chief Minister’s Office and K. Vijayanand Spl. CS Energy department in Amaravati, which underscores the State’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable development.
The BEE highlighted the significant potential for energy efficiency investments in Andhra Pradesh, forecasting substantial investments in sectors such as industry, agriculture, housing, rural development, and municipal sectors. These investments are expected to accelerate economic development and generate employment in the state.
As the state advances towards global standards and develops its new capital city, incorporating energy efficiency measures and the principles of Mission LiFE will be crucial. This initiative is poised to establish environmentally friendly and energy-efficient standards, attract global investments, and enhance the state’s international prominence while improving living standards for its people.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership at COP26, Mission LiFE was introduced in November 2021 to promote mindful consumption and a circular economy. The Ministry of Power is actively promoting this mission to reshape the environmental narrative in India, Secretary Deora said.
Andhra Pradesh is one of the best states with huge potential to attract sizable investments in energy efficiency, ultimately fostering economic development, employment generation, and addressing climate change.
Andhra Pradesh has been a pioneer in energy efficiency initiatives, with notable projects such as the LED street lighting project, the UJALA scheme, and programs promoting energy-efficient agricultural pumps and fans. These initiatives have garnered national awards and recognition, underscoring the state’s leadership in energy conservation from 2015 to 2017, including the Presidential Award. The state has also been pivotal in enhancing renewable energy generation since 2014, contributing to a cleaner and greener energy mix. Mission LiFE will further strengthen these efforts by promoting energy efficiency.
Apart from key states in the country, Andhra Pradesh stands out as a leader in attracting significant investments in energy efficiency. This success is due to its proactive government, committed to implementing the best policies, and its consumers, who play a crucial role in the success of energy efficiency projects. The dedicated administrative machinery further supports these initiatives, contributing to economic development, job creation, and improved living standards.
The BEE urged the Andhra Pradesh government to continue this legacy, advancing the state’s energy security and investment attractiveness while promoting environmentally conscious lifestyles. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency remains committed to supporting energy efficiency activities in the state, affirmed Secretary Deora.