Energy requirements and conservation potential in industrial sector in Karnataka

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Energy is essential for industrial production yet this sector constitutes a major consumer of commercially produced energy. An improvement in energy efficiency in this sector would result in a slower rate of energy growth. Secure energy supply is the major concern of most industrialists, hence it is necessary to examine industrial energy use and its impact on the economy. Analyses of consumption patterns show that the potential for energy conservation in the industrial sector, as in all other sectors, is substantial. The barriers preventing achieving this potential include: • A lack of information on specific measures and options for achieving energy conservation; • The inadequacy of institutional arrangements for promoting energy conservation in different sectors of the economy. Conservation through end use efficiency and good house keeping practices are the most effective ways to provide immediate relief for energy scarcity. This will help to maintain economic growth and social progress of a region. Environmental problems, resource depletion and growing demand of energy in the state/region make it increasingly imperative that energy is used as efficiently as possible. This paper discusses an attempt to illustrate the industrial energy scene in Karnataka, India and the possibilities for energy conservation. Analysis of energy consumption data of Karnataka and India shows that the per capita consumption of energy is low (compared with 32 countries in the world). However, for the industrial sector, energy per state domestic product is at least 10–20 times higher compared to that of industrialised countries. This implies inefficiency in energy utilisation. Detailed investigation of the Industrial sector, through analysis of Specific Energy Consumption (SEC)—industry wise and year wise for a seven year period reveals that about 28% energy could be saved in the industrial sector. This, when quantified, accounts for a saving of 2.25 mtoe of energy or 1541 million kWh electrical energy per year in Karnataka. Such a saving is equivalent to the energy output of 300 MW (Mega Watts) electric power generating units (hydro/thermal).