Energy is an integral part of our everyday life—from lighting, cooking, and entertainment to manufacturing, transportation and more. With the growth in the global population and economies, the overall energy needs have risen significantly.
Currently, our country alone accounts for more than a quarter of the net global primary energy wants. By the year 2040, the population of India is anticipated to surge by more than 267 million causing an 11 per cent jump in primary energy demands.
This will lead to the doubling of CO2 emissions by 2040, triggering serious and possibly irreversible damage to the environment. The dependency on energy is only going to rise, therefore, we must take steps to effectively tackle the energy needs of the growing population.
One of the ways to address the ever-escalating energy needs and the resultant issues that it brings is by focusing on energy conservation and sustainability. Energy conservation is a mammoth task that cannot be achieved alone.
To create awareness and prioritize energy conservation, the government of India has established the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. It has passed many laws, strategies and policies to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy. However, the task at hand requires more targeted action through a collaborative effort from people, administration as well as the electrical and power industry.
By taking measures like switching to energy-efficient appliances, switching off lights and electronic appliances when not in use, turning down the heat in geysers and thermostats, installing LEDs in homes and offices, we can significantly reduce our energy consumption. Furthermore, installing solar panels, upgrading to energy star certified products and electric vehicles will help in energy conservation in the long run.
Another driver of change in modern society and the way it functions today is technology. Modern technology has opened the gateway to infinite possibilities. Scientists and corporations are working together to develop new technology to offer long term solutions and alternatives. For instance, integrating clean technology and green practices will help in creating a sustainable environment.
With India’s ambitious target to achieve a net-zero carbon economy in a few decades, immediate and actionable steps need to be taken to achieve the target. However, one of the major challenges in the way is reducing emissions from the already existing energy infrastructure like steel mills, coal plants and other factories.
Energy conservation and efficiency appears to be a daunting task. But it can be achieved easily by making a few small changes in our routine habits. We must educate ourselves as well as our peers in adopting sustainable, clean and greener alternatives in our daily life.
The writer is Kishan Jain, Director at Goldmedal Electricals