Saving on energy generation for a sparkling tomorrow

With 300 sunny days in a year, Tamil Nadu is the seventh-largest state for rooftop solar installations. Regional policymakers recently raised electricity tariffs for commercial and industrial (C&I) companies, compelling them to tap other low-cost sources of electricity. Solar electricity is a viable alternative, whether through rooftop panels or by way of green energy open access. Industrial consumers in Tamil Nadu can save up to Rs two (nearly $0.024)/kWh, while commercial consumers can save up to Rs four (nearly $0.049)/kWh by opting for green energy open access. These facts and figures are an eye-opener, which when taken in right earnest can be long-term booster dose. C&I units are significant contributors to the GDP and are also crucial for reducing carbon emissions and combatting climate change. The general view is that renewables, clean energy or climate mitigation initiatives are expensive. As per latest available trends, the good news is that they have actually become more affordable. One should remember that energy use in one’s house, office, commercial and industrial establishments saves you money, increases energy security and reduces pollution that is emitted from non-renewable sources of energy.

It is of crucial importance for C&I companies to embrace and adopt various energy saving means and devices. When it comes to energy, there are a variety of factors one needs to consider and take stock of. By assessing the needs of one's employees and customers when it comes to providing quality and standard energy, the individual will be able to draw up an action plan that helps cut on costs where one needs it the most. Some of the prominent C&I companies in the region include S&V Automation, Helini Biomolecules, Malladi Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Aditya Fabrics, Venture Steels, Gateak India, Supreme Petrochem, Madras Hardtools, GeneCapsule, Kothari Petrochemicals, United Spectrum Instruments, and Qmax Systems. With this in mind, Mercom India, a leading global clean energy communication, consulting and research firm, highly reputed for its expertise in renewable energy, along with the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) and the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) rose to the occasion in their bid to boost alternative sources of energy. They jointly organise ‘Clean Energy Confluence’ in Chennai, involving top C&I executives, stakeholders and renewable energy providers.

The whole idea has been designed in such a way that it brings together C&I decision-makers looking for avenues to lower energy costs and the providers, who could offer a solution. The endeavour of both is to be in a win-win situation. Detailed discussions, exchange of ideas and case studies to deliver practical and real-world solutions, analysis and performance assessments are the need of the hour as the stakeholders strive to find practical and viable solutions that can bring down energy costs to significant levels. Little wonder that companies like Evolve Energy, Sunsure Energy, Ecofy, Jinko Solar, Ginlong (Solis) Technologies and GoodWe have come forward to take the endeavour to the next level. This sounds like the perfect first step that is headed in the right direction.