Energy-saving can play a crucial role in fighting climate change and conserving nature. In such efforts, information and communications technology (ICT) tools can play a big role, according to a survey report titled, ICT?s Contribution to India?s National Action Plan on Climate Change. The report, released by the Digital Energy Solutions Consortium India and CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, cites specific examples to drive home the point.
The use of remote management systems (RMS), for example, can deliver up to 10% energy savings if used at multi-location, disintegrated consumption points such as telecom towers, ATMs and retail outlets. Assuming India now has 300,000 telecom towers, with each consuming 10 kW of power, the total electricity consumed would be around 13,140 million kWh annually. With RMS, around 10% energy consumption can be reduced. This means savings of 1,314 million kWh ? the equivalent to greenhouse gas emission reductions of more than 1 million tonnes CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Worldwide, such energy-saving devices are being used across many industries. Minimum energy performance standards (MEPs) for electric motors have become the norm in several countries. India has star labels, which certify the degree of energy savings for select products. One star would mean minimum energy savings, while five stars would denote maximum savings.
Automobiles are another sector where energy-saving equipment can make a big difference in controlling climate change. To reduce vehicular pollution, the BEE in tandem with the Ministry of Road and Surface Transport, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency plans to implement Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency norms. Through this, the fuel economy of an entire fleet of a car manufacturing company can be measured. Star labelling in automobiles will then stipulate strict fuel efficiency norms for cars. Before the norms are enforced, all car manufacturers will have some time to ensure their plants adopt star ratings.
The textile industry is one sector beset with extremely low efficiency in energy utilisation. Here, fuel consumption is proportionate to the quantum of water consumed. In other words, energy will be saved if power consumption is reduced. Foam processing has considerable promise in textiles. Since the water content is low in this process, the energy needed for heating, drying, thermo-fixing, steaming and so on is also low, ensuring significant savings. The foam process also reduces liquor ratios required for pretreatment, dyeing and finishing by producing foam that?s uniform and has the requisite characteristics in viscosity, stability and blow ratio. Other textile processes can also be done with the help of the foam technique, leading to savings in materials and energy.
India?s energy intensity is 3.7 times higher than Japan’s and 1.5 times that of the US. This indicates high energy wastage, which in turn reduces the competitive edge of many industries. As India walks on the path to energy security, energy-saving measures will slowly improve its energy efficiency, triggering a cascade of extra benefits.
The writer is regional vice-president, renewable energy, Intertek Testing Services NA Inc. Views are personal.