The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 and prizes for the National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation during the celebrations of National Energy Conservation Day in New Delhi. This event underscores the government's focus on promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and aligning with sustainable development goals, which are crucial for India's environmental commitments under global frameworks like the Paris Agreement.
What is National Energy Conservation Day and its historical background?
National Energy Conservation Day is observed annually on December 14 in India, initiated in 1991 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power to raise awareness about energy efficiency and conservation.
Historical context::
Established following the Energy Conservation Act of 2001, which aimed to reduce energy intensity in the Indian economy amid growing demand and environmental concerns.
BEE was set up in 2002 to implement the Act, focusing on standards, labeling, and awards to promote conservation.
Objective: To encourage sustainable energy use, reduce wastage, and support India's goals for net-zero emissions by 2070.
What are the National Energy Conservation Awards and their significance?
These awards, presented by BEE since 1991, honor industries, buildings, and institutions for reducing energy consumption through innovative practices.
Categories::
Include sectors like manufacturing, transport, buildings, and appliances, with additional Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards.
Also features a National Painting Competition for school children to foster awareness from a young age.
Significance::
Promotes best practices, leading to national savings (e.g., 53.60 MTOE in 2023-24), economic benefits, and lower emissions, aligning with SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
What were the key messages from the President's address on energy conservation?
Energy conservation as a necessity: Saving energy means using it wisely, not less, through efficient appliances, natural resources, and renewables to cut emissions and preserve ecosystems.
Role of youth and communities::
Awareness among children ensures sustainable development; clean energy empowers local economies and creates jobs.
Behavioral changes via "LiFE" initiative, rooted in Indian traditions of harmony with nature.
Government initiatives::
Schemes like Renewable Consumption Obligation, Production Linked Incentive, and missions for solar and green hydrogen reduce fossil fuel reliance.
Why is energy conservation crucial for India's development and global commitments?
Basic theory: Energy conservation reduces demand-supply gaps, lowers imports (India imports 80% of oil), and mitigates climate change by cutting greenhouse gases.
National impact::
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by boosting efficiency; 2023-24 savings equated to billions in economic value and avoided 100+ million tonnes of CO₂.
Aligns with NDCs under Paris Agreement, targeting 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030.
Global context::
Positions India as a leader in green energy transition, with campaigns promoting technologies and awareness.
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