The Bureau of Energy Efficiency it's seventh Foundation Day . Dr. Kirit S. Parikh, Member, Planning Commission while congratulating BEE on its achievements, emphasized the need for strengthening the organization as an autonomous body to meet the huge demand for energy conservation in the country, more so, given the limitation of current resources, like coal, natural gas and fuel. Dr. Parikh stressed that Energy Efficiency should not be seen as the Bureau's mandate only, but be equally the responsibility of every government department and Ministry.

He emphasized that labeling of appliances and inclusion of energy costs in government procurement was necessary to bring about lasting energy efficiency gains. He stressed the need to introduce fuel efficiency standards for automobiles and incentives to promote rail freight instead of road transport.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency was established on 1st March 2002, under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act 2001. The mission of the Bureau is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the EC Act, 2001 with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy.

On the occasion, BEE and SIDBI entered into an MoU for promoting Energy Efficiency in MSME sector. BEE has plans to work in 25 MSME clusters for energy efficiency. Details of operational modalities would be worked out by SIDBI AND BEE, separately. SIDBI is the apex FI in the country for the MSME sector. It is a unique institution in the country which has a mandate of not only financing but also promotion and development of MSME sector. SIDBI has collaborated with various International agencies to provide institutional credit as well as provide support services to MSME sector for promoting energy efficiency.

SIDBI & Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have collaborated to promote energy saving projects in MSME sector by providing financial assistance at concessional rate of interest directly through SIDBI's own branch network as well as through select PLIs and NBFCs.

SIDBI & KfW, Germany have also joined hands to promote Cleaner Production Measure as well as energy efficiency in MSME sector through supply of credit as well as capacity building of MSME sector.

Despite high contribution to Indian Economy, the MSME sector faces numerous challenges which have grown due to the present global economic downturn. In the current market conditions, it has become critically important for the MSME sector to look for efficient use of energy as also for innovative ways to reduce costs and maintain competitiveness. Reducing energy consumption could be one of the potential tools to reduce the costs and maintain profitability.

Source - Chronicle News Service