NEW DELHI: India is all set to assist Bhutan in establishing a robust pool of energy professionals like energy auditors and technicians while spearheading the widespread adoption of the Star Labeling Programme across the neighbouring country’s household sector. This initiative aims to make star-rated energy-efficient products more accessible to Bhutanese consumers, thereby promoting eco-friendly consumption habits and reducing energy wastage.
These are part of the agreement that has been signed between the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Union Ministry of Power, and the Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of Bhutan. On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the pact, a move that comes a day before the Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay’s five-day visit to India.
“Additionally, India plans to assist in formulating building codes tailored to Bhutan’s climate conditions, drawing from its own experience in this area. Furthermore, the creation of a pool of energy professionals in Bhutan through the institutionalisation of training programs for energy auditors is envisaged,” an official from the Power Ministry said, giving details of the agreement.
Through training initiatives for retailers, the dissemination of energy-efficient products and information on savings from star-rated appliances will be facilitated. India also intends to aid Bhutan in developing and implementing its Standards and Labelling scheme, particularly targeting energy-intensive appliances which contribute significantly to household and commercial energy consumption.
The training of retailers would help in dissemination of energy efficient products with consumer audiences regarding savings from star rated appliances.
“Energy intensive Appliances are the main products leading to higher consumption at household or at commercial establishments. In view of the rapid growth in energy intensive consumer goods, the demand for electrical energy has been increasing every year. This rising demand can be optimized, if the consumers prefer high efficiency appliances,” said the official. The Star rating programme assigns a star rating (1-5 stars) based on energy efficiency with 5 stars signifying the most efficient models.
Recognising the rising demand for electrical energy due to the proliferation of energy-intensive consumer goods, the MoU emphasizes the importance of promoting high-efficiency appliances to optimize energy consumption.
The preparation of the MoU involved collaboration between the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said the official.
Source: The Pioneer