The Hindu Business Line : Vizag Steel to focus on energy conservation

THE Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) is going to focus on adoption of energy-efficient, cost-effective technologies as it takes up the project to double its capacity from the present level of 3.2 million tonnes, according to Mr C.S. Gupta, General Manager (Energy and Environment).

He was delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of a three-day training programme organised here on Thursday by Winrock International India Ltd in association with Andhra Pradesh Industrial Technical Consultancy Organisation Ltd (APITCO).

Mr Gupta said that during the past five years several measures had been adopted in the plant for energy conservation. "We have invested Rs 17 crore or so on these measures during the five-year period. In return, we could save as much as Rs 350 crore during 2004-2005. The plant bagged the National Energy Conservation award during the year. It was given away by the President. The plant could also get the special prize for energy conservation from the Prime Minister," he said.

However, he said, the plant was not content with the achievement and "we would like to become a world class energy-efficient plant. We are striving towards the end."

He said there were also plans to grow jatropha plantations in the plant area and set up a bio-diesel plant at a later stage.

He exhorted industries to take up energy audits and conservation measures. "The costs will be minimal and the rewards will be high," he added.

Mr B.V. Rao, General Manager, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) said several such training programmes were being conducted for industries, stakeholders and bankers. IREDA is offering incentives/subsidies to industries for energy conservation and "energy audit will be conducted free of charge for any industrial unit."

He said the organisation was concentrating on helping small and medium enterprises, especially in the rural areas, in taking up energy conservation measures.

Mr Amit Kumar, programme manager, Winrock International India, explained the organisation's role in energy conservation.

Captain D. Pulla Reddy, regional officer, APITCO, Visakhapatnam, proposed a vote of thanks.

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