Globally observed on December 14th, World Energy Conservation Day aims to underscore the significance of mindful energy consumption in our daily lives. The day sheds light on the scarcity of energy resources and their critical role in sustaining global ecosystems. Heightened climate change concerns have become a global preoccupation for both the public and governments alike. Addressing the challenge of reducing carbon footprint primarily involves two approaches: embracing alternative energy sources and prioritising energy conservation. Governments, particularly in India, have numerous avenues through which they can actively engage in energy conservation efforts.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Energy conservation, as the name suggests, involves the preservation of energy resources due to their limited availability. The predominant sources of primary energy are coal or fossil fuels, contributing to approximately 85 to 90% of the total. Other sources include water resources, nuclear energy, and various renewable sources.

In the context of energy conservation, the focus is primarily on preserving fossil fuel sources, considering their finite nature, particularly evident in the Indian scenario. The generation of electricity, largely derived from fossil fuels like coal, is then distributed to various power utilities. However, this distribution process incurs losses, known as Transmission and Distribution Losses.

It has been estimated that conserving 1 unit of electricity results in the preservation of 1.2 units of energy, emphasising the significant impact that energy conservation can have in optimising our limited energy resources.

METHODS TO CONSERVE ENERGY

Conserving energy involves exploring various methods, and alternative energy sources are just one aspect of this endeavour. There are multiple strategies to save energy, including optimising utilities, improving production efficiency, and implementing government policies.

1. Utility Optimization:

Efficient use of utilities is crucial in energy conservation efforts.

2. Enhancing Production Efficiency:

Improving the efficiency of electricity production ensures obtaining more electricity from the same amount of fuel.

3. Government Incentives:

Governments can introduce taxation incentives to encourage energy conservation practices.

4. Efficient Lighting Sources:

The introduction of CFL and LED lights has proven successful in conserving energy, with these lights consuming less energy and having a longer lifespan.

5. Government Initiatives for LED Usage:

Governments have promoted LED usage by reducing costs and, in some cases, distributing them free of charge.

6. Household Energy Conservation Practices:

Promoting energy-saving practices at homes, such as maintaining optimal room temperatures (25 to 27 degrees Celsius) during summers, significantly reduces energy consumption compared to lower temperature settings.

7. Effective Cooling Alternatives:

Using water coolers and addressing air leakages contribute to energy conservation efforts.

Smart Electricity Usage:

Switching off electricity to appliances when not in use and utilizing smart windows are effective practices in saving energy.

8. Electricity Bill Slabs:

Implementing different slabs in electricity bills, where higher rates apply after a certain consumption threshold, incentivizes reduced energy consumption.

By combining these diverse strategies, comprehensive energy conservation can be achieved, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient use of our limited energy resources.

POINT OF CONCERN

Despite the government's efforts through publicity measures and incentives for industries, households, and offices, there is still significant energy wastage. One notable area of concern is the apparent lack of sufficient taxation incentives from both the central and state governments.

In particular, industries, household appliances, and irrigation pumps that utilise energy-efficient appliances often face a shortfall in fiscal incentives. The absence of tax concessions on these energy-efficient devices hinders the broader adoption of such technologies, slowing down the transition towards more sustainable and energy-efficient practices.

Addressing this gap in fiscal incentives could play a crucial role in encouraging the widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances, thereby promoting a more responsible and sustainable use of energy resources across various sectors.

WAY AHEAD

Addressing the current energy challenges requires a multifaceted approach, combining taxation policies and advanced technologies to enhance the affordability and efficiency of energy-efficient appliances. Several areas can benefit from such strategies:

1. Taxation and Technology for Energy-Efficient Appliances

A strategic combination of taxation incentives and technological advancements can make energy-efficient appliances more affordable. Imposing taxes on imported items in the LED industry, for example, can promote domestic manufacturing. The costs can be distributed through electricity bills, ensuring a gradual and manageable recovery over time.

2. Revamping Extraction Techniques

Outdated technology is still prevalent in coal mining in India. Investing in and implementing better extraction technologies can improve efficiency. Similarly, oil and gas extraction can benefit from more efficient methods.

3. Promoting Public Transport for Energy Savings

Public transport, especially in railways, buses, and metros, has significant potential for energy savings. Metros, for instance, have earned carbon credits due to their controlled emissions.

4. Efficient Agriculture Pumps

In the agriculture sector, where diesel-operated pumps are prevalent, promoting the use of efficient pumps, including solar-operated ones, can contribute to energy conservation.

5. Advancements in Boilers for Electricity Generation

The use of subcritical boilers for electricity generation from coal is common but has limited efficiency (around 36 to 38%). Super-critical boilers (42% efficiency) and ongoing developments in super high critical boilers (35% efficiency) and ultra supercritical boilers (around 50% efficiency) represent more efficient alternatives.

6. Enhancing Power Plant Efficiency

Power plants currently lose a significant portion of energy to the atmosphere during electricity generation. Enhancing the efficiency of a 200 MW power plant by just 1% can result in saving 1 million tons of coal and significantly reduce environmental impact.

These measures, combining taxation strategies and technological advancements, can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient use of energy resources across various sectors.

FAQs on Addressing Energy Challenges through Taxation Policies and Advanced Technologies

1. Why is a combination of taxation policies and advanced technologies considered essential in addressing energy challenges?

Ans. A multifaceted approach is crucial as it addresses both economic and technological aspects. Taxation policies create incentives, while advanced technologies enhance the affordability and efficiency of energy-efficient appliances.

2. How can taxation incentives contribute to making energy-efficient appliances more affordable?

Ans. By strategically combining taxation incentives, such as imposing taxes on imported items in the LED industry, with technological advancements, the overall cost of energy-efficient appliances can be reduced, promoting their affordability.

3. How are the costs of these appliances recovered, considering taxation measures?

Ans. The costs can be distributed through electricity bills over time, ensuring a gradual and manageable recovery for consumers.

4. Why is revamping extraction techniques important in the energy sector?

Ans. Outdated technology in coal mining and oil and gas extraction hinders efficiency. Investing in and implementing better extraction technologies is essential for improving overall energy sector efficiency.

5. What role does public transport play in energy conservation efforts?

Ans. Public transport, including railways, buses, and metros, has significant potential for energy savings. Certain modes, like metros, have earned carbon credits due to their controlled emissions.

6. How can efficient agriculture pumps contribute to energy conservation?

Ans. Promoting the use of efficient pumps, including solar-operated ones, in the agriculture sector can significantly contribute to energy conservation efforts.

7. What are the advancements in boilers for electricity generation, and why are they significant?

Ans. The shift from subcritical boilers to supercritical and ultra-supercritical boilers represents advancements in electricity generation efficiency. Super-critical boilers, for example, boast higher efficiency rates (42%), leading to improved energy utilisation.

8. Why is enhancing power plant efficiency crucial for energy conservation?

Ans. Power plants currently lose a considerable amount of energy to the atmosphere during electricity generation. Enhancing the efficiency of power plants, even by a small percentage, can result in substantial savings in coal consumption and reduce environmental impact.