The amendments have been prepared by the Ministry of Power after consultation with various stakeholders.
The Ministry of Power has proposed amendments to the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with a provision to specify a minimum amount of renewable energy in the overall consumption by establishments and industrial units.
The amendments are aimed at promoting the consumption of renewable energy.
A statement from the Ministry of Power said, “Amidst the increasing energy needs and changing global climate scenario, the Government of India by proposing certain amendments to the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, has identified new areas to achieve higher levels of renewable energy. of it.”
It will aim to increase the demand for renewable energy in the end use sectors like industry, building, transportation etc.
The amendments have been prepared by the Ministry of Power after consultation with various stakeholders.
The proposal includes defining a minimum share of renewable energy in the total consumption by industrial units or an establishment.
There will be a provision to encourage efforts to use clean energy sources through Carbon Saving Certificates.
Power Minister RK Singh recently reviewed the proposed amendments and directed to seek comments and suggestions from the concerned Ministries/Departments and State Governments.
Accordingly, a meeting was held by Secretary (Power) Alok Kumar with the Ministries and Organizations of the stakeholders on 28th October, 2021 to finalize the proposed amendments to the EC Act.
To review the Act in detail, four stakeholder consultation meetings (one national consultation workshop and three regional consultations) were held with various stakeholders to discuss possible amendments and obtain inputs.
In addition, amendments have been proposed to strengthen the institutions originally envisaged under the Act, for discussion and stakeholder consultation.
The proposed amendments will facilitate the growth of the carbon market in India and determine the minimum consumption of renewable energy either in the form of direct consumption or indirect use through the grid. This will help in reducing fossil fuel based energy consumption and carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
India stands at the forefront of addressing climate change and is committed to an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce emissions intensity by 33-35% in 2030 from 2005 levels. The Ministry of Power highlighted that India is committed to achieving the target. More than 40% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel energy resources by 2030.
In addition, by adopting energy efficiency measures, India has the potential to reduce around 550 MtCO2 by 2030. The proposed changes in the EC Act will boost the adoption of clean technologies in various sectors of the economy.
The provisions will facilitate promotion of green hydrogen as an alternative to the existing fossil fuels used by industries.
Additional incentives in the form of carbon credits against the deployment of clean technologies will result in private sector participation in climate action.
The proposal also includes expanding the ambit of the Act to include large residential buildings with the aim of promoting permanent housing.
The Ministry of Power has said that the need for energy is inevitable and with the changing business scenario, it has become even more imperative to address the country’s need to become energy efficient without putting further pressure on the environment.
With amendments to the EC Act, 2001, the focus has been on empowering institutions to contribute towards the Paris commitments and fully implement the NDCs in a timely manner.
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