The Hindu Business Line : Govt keen on energy-efficient projects: Shinde

New Delhi March 21 The Government is laying special emphasis on energy-efficient projects that could lead to savings of 73 per cent of energy consumption, according to the Union Power Minister, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, he said, had initiated several steps in the area of energy conservation for the industry, domestic sector, commercial establishments and agriculture.

Speaking at a conference, organised jointly by the FICCI, South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy, USAID and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Shinde said: "This will lead to creation of opportunities for organisations which could conceptualise energy efficiency projects and implement them.

Already, manufacturers of a number of energy efficiency equipment and appliances have started expanding their capacity."

Govt initiative

The Minister said that the Government's latest initiative in generation to secure low-cost power through economies of scale and a competitive environment has met with considerable success.

The award of two ultra mega power projects to private developers has set a new benchmark for electricity pricing in the country.

"These projects will meet the power needs of a number of States through transmission of power on regional and national basis."

Invitation

Mr Shinde also invited energy service, equipment and appliance manufacturers from the SAARC region and the rest of the world to exploit the huge commercial opportunities being thrown up by India.

"We need more than just one manufacturer for equipment such as turbines and boilers, especially for the units of the size of ultra mega power projects. We have established a manufacturing arm of NTPC that will address the issue."