Despite progress in improving energy efficiency in various household appliances, India still faces significant challenges in reducing energy consumption, particularly with regards to air conditioners (ACs) and water pumps. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) introduced the Standards and Labelling (S&L) program in 2006, which sets energy efficiency standards for appliances and provides consumers with informed choices. The program currently covers 41 appliances, but only 16, including ACs, are mandatory, while the remaining 25, including water pumps, are voluntary.
The government plans to move at least 11 appliances, including water pumps, from the voluntary to the mandatory category by 2026, requiring them to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. The S&L program has already shown significant results, with India saving 81.64 billion units of energy and avoiding 58.24 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions between 2018 and 2023.
However, more needs to be done, particularly with regards to ACs and water pumps, which consume the most electricity. Aligning India’s energy standards with global best practices could reduce energy consumption by 300 terawatt-hour (TWh) annually, with 60% of these savings coming from ACs and water pumps alone. This is equivalent to the total generation from 180 GW of solar PV plants.
The government has set an ambitious target to cut India’s energy consumption by 1,035.07 TWh by 2030 through energy efficiency measures. Notably, 17% of this target could be achieved by making room air conditioners and agricultural water pumps more efficient. This highlights the importance of improving the energy efficiency of these appliances to meet India’s climate commitments. By doing so, India can reduce its energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, while India has made progress in improving energy efficiency, there is still a long way to go, particularly with regards to ACs and water pumps. The government’s efforts to move more appliances to the mandatory category and align energy standards with global best practices are crucial steps towards reducing energy consumption and meeting climate commitments. By prioritizing energy efficiency, India can achieve significant energy savings, reduce emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future.