Kerala’s Int’l Energy Fest Calls For Energy Efficiency Measures

Thiruvananthapuram: The three-day International Energy Festival of Kerala (IEFK-2025) that concluded on Sunday called for advancing energy efficiency initiatives with the support of all State Designated Agencies (SDAs). During the event, experts emphasised on the importance of public-private participation and comprehensive communication strategies to sustain the momentum of energy conservation efforts.

National and international participants commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement at COP26 in Glasgow. This initiative promotes mindful and sustainable consumption of energy to protect and preserve the environment.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Government of India, Ministry of Power said it has set a national target of saving 150 Mtoe (million tonnes of oil equivalent) by 2030 to accelerate energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.“We have implemented stringent measures to enhance energy efficiency, which contributes over 40 per cent to climate change mitigation efforts. Notably, as of January 2024, the Standard and Labelling Programme alone, covering 35 energy-efficient appliances, has resulted in 81.64 billion units of energy savings, translating to cost savings of about Rs54,324 crore, and a reduction of 58 million tonnes of CO2 emissions,” BEE said. The Southern states, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have played a key role in promoting star-rated energy-efficient appliances, particularly in the domestic sector.

BEE further informed that Centre has launched various initiatives to encourage mass participation in climate action. To further reinforce India’s climate action strategy, two key guidelines have been launched - Detailed Procedure for Compliance Mechanism and Accreditation Procedure and Eligibility Criteria for Carbon Verification Agencies, BEE mentioned in an official press release.

“These guidelines aim to strengthen India’s Carbon Market Framework (ICM) and support its commitment to reducing the emission intensity by 45 per cent of its GDP by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070,” it added. The IEFK-2025 extended special commendations to KR Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Power, Government of Kerala, for implementing long-term measures to position Kerala as a carbon-free State, ensuring a sustainable future for coming generations. Jyothi Lal explained about Kerala’s ambitious plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and 100 per cent renewable energy by 2040.

Meanwhile, BEE has organised stakeholder workshops in Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Vishakhapatnam to engage industries, including steel, cement, textiles, and paper, in the carbon credit market.