We recognise that Indian companies, individuals and all stakeholders are undertaking significant actions needed to help assess compliance with TSDF, issue new climate goals and take tangible actions in sustainable energy utilization.
The country has benchmarked a target to reduce carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2070. Energy consumption is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with 75% of power delivered from fossil fuels. In the ever-expanding urbanisation and industrialisation scenario, managing the energy consumption and achieving the climate goals necessitate transformative interventions. For identifying inefficiencies or consumption patterns high-impact areas need meaningful data-driven approach.
India is committed to the aim of doubling its rate of energy efficiency improvement to 45mt by 2030. This can reveal nearly 40% of the GHG emissions intensity-based target savings. It is essential to observe energy performance and take robust data infrastructure to support track tracks as well as effective energy strategies.
The central Government has achieved considerable success in improving data collection and analyses. The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) and Energy Data Management Unit (EDMU) within the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) are key examples of efforts to continuously capture and track energy data. The NITI Aayog India Climate and Energy Dashboard (ICED) 3.0 and India Energy Security Scenarios v3.0 provide a central point of access to real-time energy data, facilitating informed decision-making.
However, the lack of detailed end-use energy consumption information poses a challenge. Tracking delivered energy data and improving data collection processes supports policymakers in making more-targeted efficiency strategies. Technology also offers smart energy management using IoT enabled real-time insights for optimised energy use.
State Designated Agencies (SDAs) such as the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA), Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), and Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) are good examples of achieving efficient energy utilisation through the efficient design of the built environment and appliances. Other organisations are encouraged to follow these successful examples set by leading energy managers.
The focus on data-driven decision-making was a key theme of the G20 presidency held by India, focusing on ‘data for change’. Realistic targets, progress tracking and measuring impact require good quality data. Natural climate solutions and investment in energy efficiency are essential for scaling sustainability goals and enabling affordable, resilient, renewable energy access.