The government has proposed certain amendments to the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with an aim to enhance demand for renewable energy in end-use sectors such as industry, buildings, transport etc.
The Power Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that amendments have been proposed in consultation with stakeholders. These include defining the minimum share of renewable energy in overall consumption by industrial units or any establishment. There will be a provision to incentivise efforts on using clean energy sources by means of carbon saving certificates.
The proposed amendments would facilitate the development of the carbon market in India and prescribe minimum consumption of renewable energy, either as direct consumption or indirect use through the grid. This will help in reduction of fossil fuel-based energy consumption and carbon emission to the atmosphere, the release added.
NDC project
As India has committed to an ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of reducing emission intensity by 33-35 per cent in 2030 against the levels of 2005, the proposed changes to the EC Act would boost the adoption of clean technologies in various sectors of the economy. The provisions would facilitate promotion of green Hydrogen as an alternate to the existing fossil fuels used by the industries.
“The additional incentives in the form of carbon credits against deployment of clean technologies will result in private sector involvement in climate actions. The proposal also includes expanding the scope of the Act to include larger residential buildings, with an aim to promote sustainable habitat,” the Power Ministry said.
Power Minister R K Singh reviewed the proposed amendments recently and directed to seek comments and suggestions from concerned Line ministries/departments and State Governments. Accordingly, a meeting was held by Alok Kumar, Power Secretary with the stakeholders Ministries and Organizations on October 28, 2021, to give a final shape to the proposed amendments in the EC Act.