Elecrama Brings The World Together To Accelerate Sustainable Energy Solutions: Sunil Kumar Singhvi, President, IEEMA

In a conversation with ResponsibleUs, Sunil Kumar Singhvi, President, Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA) elaborated on how the energy sector’s transition to renewable energy is becoming more and more apparent.

Why is Elecrama important in the global energy and sustainability transition?
Our members and other exhibitors present their ultimate ideas at Elecrama, which is one of the world's biggest electricity shows. The global energy transition is a high priority on the agenda among nations and corporations alike, with all of them working toward net-zero emissions. Industry innovation is centered around sustainability, with innovations that will power the future such as battery storage, electric charging infrastructure, green hydrogen, and smart metering. Major innovations even in transmission and distribution (T&D).

The entire industry converges there and includes exhibitors from all over the globe. 75 countries, 450 hosted buyers. With the objective of connecting the infrastructure industry and its buyers and end users, Elecrama serves as a platform for awareness on the energy transition, innovations and solutions.

Over the years, the energy sector has evolved significantly. India has become a major energy hub, with an installed capacity of nearly 110 gigawatts. The country has set an ambitious target of 500 gigawatts by 2030, creating opportunities to not only meet domestic demand but also cater to global markets. Indian renewable energy solutions, smart metering technologies, and solar panel suppliers are now serving leading companies worldwide. With Europe and America expanding their transmission capacity to meet renewable energy targets, India is well-positioned to showcase its technological leadership on the global stage.

How is the event showcasing advancements in renewable energy and recycling, and what role do industry collaborations play in shaping the future of the energy sector?
We are highlighting new energy talent and showcasing green energy solutions and advancements in renewable technologies. This platform addresses new energy challenges, such as electric charging infrastructure, with exhibitors presenting cutting-edge innovations. Every company is displaying the latest developments from the past two years. Recycling is also a major focus at the event. Many of our members are collaborating with recycling companies to develop solutions for repurposing products like smart meters and other phased-out components. Several conference sessions are dedicated to recycling, reinforcing its importance in both the industry and government policies on sustainability. It offers a wonderful opportunity for the energy industry by bringing together the required industry leaders. At present, it is a $70 billion industry, but in five years, it could very well be a $130–140 billion industry.

As I said in my opening remarks, that the global electricity market is currently around $1.5 trillion and is projected to be $3.7 trillion with our industry as a significant contributor. This sector is to be bigger, better, and bolder. Such events and collaborations in the industry, as the Honorable Minister has observed, are going to be needed to address the growing demands from the sector-a demand that is with the energy transition already being implemented while at the same time, demand for infrastructure is rising. There will continue to be modernization in terms of both conventional and renewable energy such as solar, wind, and nuclear. The recent budget of Honorable Finance Minister presented new schemes for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the nuclear energy sector. Huge investments are going on, which has seen NTPC stepping into the nuclear space and lead to changes in legislation and civil regulations to facilitate nuclear energy. Be it renewable energy or nuclear power; opportunities for growth and transformation in the industry are immense.

What are some of the significant issues appearing in India concerning quality control mechanisms for the energy sector and where can improved coordination between government and industry?
There are a few challenges. The Indian government has taken many positive steps, but at the same time, strict quality control measures are being introduced. In some areas, we lack adequate manufacturing capacity. For example, in CRGO steel, we have urged the government to collaborate with the industry to implement quality controls more effectively. Quality control orders (QCOs) should only be introduced when the industry is fully prepared to meet domestic demand.

Otherwise, it could limit manufacturing capacity and negatively impact businesses. The government and industry will work better to ensure that QCOs are implemented efficiently, as manufacturers' transitions become smooth.

How sustainable energy transition and decarbonisation related opportunities avail?
Going further down the transition path, these are issues that need to be addressed. Certainly, generation has its attention, but the consumer end of it is equally critical. Energy savings can be as effective as production increases, and it is energy loss that we need to reduce to attain real sustainability. Consumers are very much conscious of appliances being energy efficient. Bureau of Energy Efficiency has framed an excellent labeling system to guide consumers in this regard. These days, it is a trend to choose a star-rated appliance as compared with non-rated ones. This shows that sustainability is taken seriously nowadays. I really appreciate that now awareness on energy efficiency is not only for corporates or the government, but it is an awareness for the masses.

The housewives, students, and other common consumers now understand energy conversion to sustainable usage. This shift is driving major transitions in energy consumption. In India, for instance, 215 million smart meters are being replaced, and similar advancements are occurring in air conditioning controls and household technologies. The energy transition is taking place at both the generation and consumer levels.

Could EVs spew more carbon than petrol cars?
Electric Vehicles do not cause more carbon emissions than petrol vehicles from a technology standpoint. Gas engines vs EV basics really aren't the same thing. As you mention, EVs become part of a sustainable energy ecosystem. Just look at the Auto Expo this year the sheer number of electric vehicles on display has grown exponentially. Anyway, a lot has changed — EV range is improving, with scores of models now capable of 350–500 kilometers on a full charge.

Affordability is also improving, and with fast chargers being installed along highways, charging an EV is becoming more convenient.

Major players like Tata Power and several startups are investing in large-scale charging stations. Now, if you stop for a 30-minute tea break, you can fully charge your EV.

From a technical perspective, there is no reason to believe that EVs emit more carbon than traditional fuel-powered vehicles. With advancements in EV technology, charging infrastructure, and affordability, electric mobility is becoming the future of transportation.

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