The industry and the Centre should take measures to improve energy efficiency and to meet the increasing energy demand in the country, President Ram Nath Kovind said here on Thursday.

Speaking at the National Energy Conservation Day celebrations, Kovind said India has succeeded in becoming a power surplus nation over the past three years, but must not rest there. “It poses not one but several challenges, such as access to energy, sustainability of energy sources and efficiency of energy use. All of these are important as the government works towards its commitment to provide 24 x 7 power for all,” he said.

“Our needs will certainly grow. After all, electricity is to the industrial age what water is to agriculture. Energy conservation and energy efficiency are critical to our endeavours. They will play a major role in reducing the emission intensity of our GDP and in enhancing energy access as well as bringing down the cost of energy for consumers.”

Greater efficiency will aid the weaker and energy deprived sections, he said, adding: “This will be of benefit to ordinary households and small-and-medium enterprises, which have significant energy costs. The energy that is saved will be used by farmers for irrigation and to preserve fruits and vegetables in cold storages.”

Also speaking at the event, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, said: “No country can progress without increase in energy consumption, more so for developing countries. India’s per capita annual energy consumption is 1,100 units, which is five times lower than Europe and 16 times lower than US.”

Singh further said India is committed to reduce the energy intensity of its economic growth by one-third by 2030 and aims to achieve a responsible growth profile. “The country is well on track to surpass its renewable energy target of 175 GW by 2022 and would comfortably cross 200 GW,” he added.

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