CHANDIGARH, December 21: Punjab is striving for a sustainable future. It has been working on a strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The aim is to transition to green energy, said Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora. He quoted the wise words of First Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat.” The air is the teacher. The water is the father. The earth is the great mother. He spoke at an event organized by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). The event celebrated State Energy Conservation Day in association with Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power. It took place here at a hotel.

Guru Honored Air, Punjab Leads in Renewable Energy

He said that hundreds of years back our Guru has given the status of Guru to the Air. “I am happy that the world is finally waking up to the harsh reality of climate change. It is imperative that we acknowledge the gravity of this crisis. We must work collectively to protect the planet earth.”

The Punjab Government has successfully shifted 6800 MW to renewable energy. This was achieved by making over 1000 government buildings including schools energy efficient. Another project is underway to shift 6200 MW more to renewable energy. Apart from this, 2.16 Lakhs energy efficient BEE 4 star rated agriculture pump-sets installed in the State. More than 750 buildings are ECBC compliant in the State.

Energy Efficiency : Government can only set the ecosystem

He also urged the people of the state to support the government. Their assistance is necessary to transform Punjab into an energy efficient state. He said that the Government can only set the ecosystem. The main responsibility lies with the private players. They have to adopt and equip their organizations with energy efficient technologies.

He drove a new term from the old saying ‘Money saved is money earned’ to ‘Energy saved is Energy Generated.’ This depicts the importance of energy in the future. He also inaugurated the exhibition on energy efficiency technologies and energy conservation day function.

Sinha emphasized upon the need for energy conservation

Principal Secretary New and Renewable Energy Sources Ajoy Kumar Sinha emphasized upon the need for energy conservation in the State. He highlighted energy efficiency to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of power. Sinha urged adopting renewable energy sources. He also advised using power judiciously by adopting energy conservation & energy efficiency measures.

Discussed the role of clean energy in various areas.

Director PEDA M.P. Singh highlighted the initiatives taken under energy conservation programmes in the State. singh informed the audience about the importance of energy conservation. He also discussed the role of clean energy in various areas. He also mentioned that Punjab is pioneering in implementing ECBC. More than 85 capacity building programs have been conducted. Punjab is the leading state in incentivizing ECBC & Green Buildings. Punjab is amongst the top performing states in the Energy Efficiency sector.

Stakeholders Celebrate State Energy Conservation Day

GRIHA Council Deputy CEO Ms. Shabnam Bassi was present during the celebration of State Energy Conservation Day. VP Business Development Global Network for Zero Gaurav Mukhija was also there. Senior officers from the stakeholder departments attended as well. These departments include PSPCL, Water Supply and Sanitation, PWD, Local Government, Health, Medical Education and Research, and GMADA.