A National Conference on ‘Sustainable Cooling and Doubling the Rate of Energy Efficiency Improvement’ was held in New Delhi on February 21-22, 2025. The two-day event was jointly organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Power Foundation of India (PFI), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
The conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal. In his opening address, he emphasized that energy efficiency is not just an option but a necessity for a cleaner and more sustainable future. He stated that by doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement, India can lower costs, enhance productivity, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He highlighted the progress made in the power sector, noting that non-fossil fuel capacity has reached 47.15% and emission intensity has been reduced by 36%, surpassing the country’s commitments.
During the event, the Minister launched the report titled ‘India Energy Scenario 2023-24.’ This report provides a detailed overview of India’s energy landscape, including trends and progress in energy efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, a set of energy-efficient retrofit manuals and flyers were released. These resources offer guidance for evaluating, planning, and implementing retrofits in commercial and residential buildings, benefiting policymakers, state governments, and stakeholders involved in energy efficiency projects.
The Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Naik, also addressed the gathering. He emphasized that India is at a crucial stage where growing energy demand must be balanced with ambitious climate goals. As the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India’s commitment to doubling energy efficiency and promoting sustainable cooling is essential for economic growth and climate action. He mentioned that the country has already achieved its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of schedule and noted that global platforms like the G20 and COP28 have reinforced the urgency of improving energy efficiency worldwide.
Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, highlighted that India’s G20 presidency in 2023 played a key role in advancing global energy efficiency discussions. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD) recognized energy efficiency as the “first fuel” and introduced a Voluntary Action Plan to double the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. He noted that India’s Energy Intensity (EI) improvement rate, which was around 2.5% in 2024, needs to increase to 4% by 2030, according to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
While policies and technologies to achieve this target are available, the conference focused on the need for greater clarity in measuring energy intensity improvements, assessing the impact of energy savings, and translating global commitments into concrete actions. Addressing the increasing demand for cooling and ensuring access to sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions were also key areas of discussion.
The conference brought together important stakeholders, including government representatives, national and international agencies, multilateral organizations, industry associations, financial institutions, and consumers. Knowledge partners included global organizations such as the IEA, Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All), CLASP, and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). Leading Indian think tanks like The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the Council for Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), and the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE) also participated.
The event featured thematic sessions covering topics such as energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, industry, transport, investment, and sustainable cooling. More than 50 speakers and 250 delegates participated in the discussions, contributing to valuable insights and recommendations.
The two-day National Conference successfully concluded on February 22, 2025, serving as an important platform for discussions on sustainable cooling, energy efficiency, and policy advancements in India’s power sector.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
