Punjab new and renewable energy sources minister Aman Arora felicitated government and private sector entities with State Energy Conservation Awards at the Confederation of Indian Industrialists (CII) Northern Region headquarters.
Arora addressed the state-level Energy Conservation Day and the award function organized by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), stating that Punjab is working to become a carbon-neutral state. Energy conservation is the main focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save the environment.
According to him, around 2,150 MW capacity renewable energy projects, including 1,200 MW capacity from solar plants have been installed, which is approximately 16% of the total installed capacity. “Punjab has also taken initiative to create and notify the Punjab energy conservation code. This code was amended to reflect the composite climate zones in Punjab. He said that the implementation began with incorporation in the building bylaws.
He stated, “Dependency for fossil fuels to power generation is high, leading to pollution and other environmental hazards.” The expansion of industry, infrastructure and power demand means that power generation is shifting away from traditional sources to more renewable energy sources like solar, hydel and biomass.
Arora urged people to conserve energy by urging them to use it wisely. He stated that energy efficiency in buildings was one of the most important areas to save energy in the commercial sector. This can be achieved through energy-efficient design, using ECBC and building materials. Earlier, PEDA also signed MoUs with 13 reputed engineering institutes/universities for promoting innovative projects through research & development on energy conservation & energy efficiency.
