Energy efficiency and conservation in India

This article begins with a review of national policies and strategies for the promotion of energy efficiency in India. These should be considered within the context of recent five-year economic plans. The enormous potential for energy conservation in India has been widely recognized, particularly since the 1970s. But achievements in this area thus far have been minimal. The energy intensity of industrial and other activities today is higher than in developed and even in some developing countries. There are indications countrywide that greater progress will be made in the future. Examples are given here of organizational and institutional undertakings to improve energy efficiency, including some case studies from industry. A number of conservation measures have been proposed in the industrial, transportation and other sectors. Through policies that promote such measures, energy use could be reduced significantly. (author). 10 tabs