With energy becoming an important resource, Aalok a deshmukh tells PRAKRITI ROY about the various learning programmes for this sector
What is the importance of energy and why does it need to be addressedIJ
Energy transforms life. It improves quality of life. Electricity helps reduce poverty, improves health (especially for women and children), increases productivity, enhances educational opportunities, improves the standard of living and promotes environmental sustainability. At Schneider Electric, we believe that access to safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable energy is a basic human right. India is currently one of the biggest energy consumers in the world and demand for energy is only expected to grow in future.
What about sustainable energyIJ
We have an energy paradox. On one hand, by 2050, the energy demand in India will be almost four times that of today’s demand, due to the twin challenges of access to energy and the mega-trends of urbanisation, digitisation and industrialisation. However, during the same timeframe, we have to reduce our carbon intensity by four times to avoid significant irreversible damage to our planet. Therefore, it’s important to use energy efficiently and shift toward lower-carbon fuels by devising methods and solutions to achieve and maintain optimum energy procurement and utilisation. This will mitigate the ill effect.
Is there a lack of energy educationIJ
Despite the importance of the issue, two-thirds of the energy efficiency potential remains untapped and there has been a lack of energy efficiency education. For sustainability, most of the information currently available is technical and geared towards professionals with little content for the general businessperson or homeowner. But they are taking decisions about energy use on a daily basis. Our Energy University online was launched for this.
In which fields can a specialist in energy management workIJ
Professional education and certification can distinguish one from peers in fields like IT, engineering and facility management. Our courses are for everyone — homeowners, managers or even students.
Tell us about the programmeIJ
Our e-learning programme aims to educate people from various industries on a range of solutions and approaches that best utilise and manage energy needs. We also offer an industry-recognised Professional Energy Manager certification in conjunction with the Institute of Energy Professionals. The e-learning modules in 13 languages have already been taken by almost 5 lakh users worldwide, with 43,000 registrations and 36,000 courses undertaken from India. Companies across the globe are using our 350 courses to educate their employees for making smarter choices for managing energy. These are free courses.
Who are the target studentsIJ
The target groups for Energy University are mainly electricity users — engineers, facility managers, electricians, contractors, IT professionals, energy managers, builders, manufacturers etc. But we target professionals across segments.
What is the reach and advantage of the programmeIJ
At present, 7.8 lakh plus courses have been taken by 5 lakh plus professionals in 180-plus countries. These figures demonstrate the need for and the lack of information available in the world.
What more do you think needs to be done to spread awarenessIJ
People should be made aware of key challenges as well as solutions. We are seeing an increasing level of IT-OT convergence (Internet of Things and Operational Intelligence). Integration of smart grids, distributed generation and efficient demand has driven this. With energy use becoming visible through meters, consumers have real power over their energy bill at the end of each month and can take effective decisions about their energy use. It is also important that the Government should take initiatives to inform and educate people about how everyone can do their bit.