India’s Push for Energy Efficiency Continues with Launch of Four Appliance Policies
On 1 March 2023, India launched four new energy efficiency policies for residential appliances which will help reduce CO₂ emissions by an estimated 9 million metric tons by 2030. These policies align with India's commitment to the G20 presidency agenda, which advocates for more extensive climate action globally.
India is now the world’s third-largest energy consumer and one of the fastest growing economies. Its global leadership is pivotal in shaping policies and strategies that tackle pressing issues of energy security and climate change mitigation. In the first G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group and G20 Finance Ministers meetings in Bengaluru, the country articulated intent to holistically address issues relating to environment, sustainability and climate change.
India has made significant progress to expand the coverage and deepen the gains from appliance energy efficiency policies. On the 21st Foundation Day of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, Mr. R. K. Singh, launched four new energy efficiency policies for key residential appliances. The appliances include table and wall-mounted fans, pedestal fans, multi-door refrigerators, and induction cookstoves. These policies are projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by an estimated 9 million metric tons by 2030.
With these policy announcements, BEE’s portfolio for appliance energy efficiency now comprises 34 appliances and equipment in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. These policies can serve as a roadmap for other countries aiming to reduce energy consumption, and accelerate the transition to more energy-efficient alternatives.
Launching the policies, Mr. Singh highlighted that India will reduce its emissions intensity by 33% by 2030. Power secretary Alok Kumar further added that the efforts of BEE has achieved 50% of the outcomes which India is now showcasing in front of the world.
50% of India’s emission intensity reduction has come from what BEE has achieved with a staff of 120 people. – Alok Kumar, Power Secretary
"The launch of these policies is a critical milestone in India's efforts to achieve its energy efficiency goals. By promoting appliance energy efficiency, we are taking a step towards meeting our target of reducing energy intensity by 45% by 2030. The program will not only help consumers make informed choices but also incentivize manufacturers to produce more efficient products, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. The positive impact of this program will be felt across society, the economy, and the environment."
Mr. Abhay Bakre, Director General, BEE
Reflecting on the achievement, Bishal Thapa, Senior Director, CLASP noted, “Energy efficiency is crucial in meeting the government’s targets and addressing climate change. We congratulate BEE on the launch of these new policies and hope that the progress here serves as an example to other countries aiming to reduce energy intensity. CLASP is pleased to support the development of appliance efficiency policies, and we look forward to supporting BEE in ensuring their effective implementation.”
