The Hindu Business Line : Govt aims to save 10,000 MW power through conservation in XI Plan

Power stage: The President, Ms Pratibha Patil, the Minister for Power, Mr Sushilkumar Shinde, and the Power Secretary, Mr Anil Razdan, at a meet in the Capital on Friday. —

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Dec. 14 The Centre is targeting a saving of 10,000 MW through conservation of power during the Eleventh Plan period with the implementation of energy efficient technologies, which would translate into an avoided investment in generation of about Rs 50,000 crore.

“We have targeted saving 10,000 MW through energy conservation in the five-year plan,” the Union Power Minister, Mr Sushilkumar Shinde, said, while addressing a function here to mark National Energy Conservation Day.

Inaugurating the function, the President, Ms Pratibha Patil, called for the use of energy efficient technology and said, “I remind each individual to implement at least one major change in lifestyle that promotes energy efficiency and also influences at least one more person to do the same.”

The President also said individuals can be motivators for energy efficiency and like-minded people can join forces to launch a national energy efficiency movement.

Ms Patil said fossil fuels would continue to play a dominant role in the energy mix for decades to come but the use of advanced and cleaner fossil fuel technologies should be increased. “Promoting increased research and development in the field of various energy technologies in particularly renewable energy and advanced energy technologies can help in augmenting sustained and secure supply of energy,” she added.

Mr Shinde said the Government has embarked upon various schemes such as promotion of CFL lamps, and introduction of energy efficient buildings code for energy conservation. The President presented National Energy Conservation Awards to 42 industrial units and winners of a painting competition.