India Advances Energy Efficiency at National Conference
A National Conference on ‘Sustainable Cooling and Doubling the Rate of Energy Efficiency Improvement’ took place in New Delhi on February 21-22, 2025. Jointly organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Power Foundation of India (PFI), the event aimed to address pressing energy challenges and promote sustainable practices. Union Minister of Power, Shri Manohar Lal, emphasized the necessity of energy efficiency for a sustainable future during the conference’s inauguration.
Keynote Highlights from the Inauguration
The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, who underscored the critical role of energy efficiency in achieving a cleaner and economically prosperous future. In his address, he stated, “Energy efficiency is not just an option but a necessity.” He highlighted India’s significant advancements in the power sector, noting that non-fossil fuel capacity has reached 47.15%, with a 36% reduction in emission intensity, surpassing previous commitments.
During the event, the Minister launched the ‘India Energy Scenario 2023-24’ report, which provides an in-depth analysis of the country’s energy landscape, including trends in energy efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, he introduced a series of Energy-Efficient Retrofit manuals aimed at guiding stakeholders in evaluating and implementing energy-efficient upgrades in existing buildings. These resources are expected to support states, policymakers, and industry players in advancing energy efficiency initiatives.
Strategic Goals for Energy Efficiency
Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, also addressed the conference, emphasizing the need to balance rising energy demands with climate goals. He remarked that as the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India’s commitment to doubling energy efficiency and promoting sustainable cooling is crucial for both economic growth and climate action. He noted that India has already met its Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of schedule, reinforcing the urgency of global energy efficiency initiatives.
Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, highlighted the significance of the G20 Summit in 2023, which positioned energy efficiency as a priority. He called for optimizing energy demand across various sectors to achieve the goal of doubling energy savings by 2030. According to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s Energy Intensity improvement rate must increase from approximately 2.5% in 2024 to 4% by 2030 to meet these ambitious targets.
Collaboration and Participation at the Conference
The National Conference attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, international agencies, civil society, industry associations, and financial institutions. Notable knowledge partners included the IEA, Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All), and leading Indian think tanks such as The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
Over the two days, more than 50 speakers and 250 delegates participated in thematic sessions covering various topics such as Buildings, Appliances, Industry, Transport, Investment, and Sustainable Cooling. The conference served as a platform for fostering collaboration and driving actionable solutions to enhance energy efficiency in India.
The event concluded on February 22, 2025, marking a significant step forward in India’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and efficiency improvements.
About the Organizers
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a statutory agency under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency across the economy through regulatory and promotional measures. BEE focuses on developing policies that encourage self-regulation and market-driven principles, aiming to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
The Power Foundation of India operates as a think tank and policy advocacy body within the power sector, conducting independent research on critical issues and challenges. The Foundation also implements outreach programs to promote relevant themes in the energy sector.
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