Energy conservation in India - challenges and achievements

The gap between supply and demand of energy is continuously increasing despite huge outlay for energy sector since independence. Further, the burning of fossil fuel is resulting in greenhouse gases which are detrimental to the environment. The gap between supply and demand of energy can be bridged with the help of energy conservation which may be considered as a new source of energy which is benign and environment friendly. The energy conservation is cost effective with a short payback period and modest investment. There is a good scope of energy conservation in various sectors, viz., industry, agriculture, transport and domestic. The energy audit can unearth huge profits to the industry. The industrial sector has failed to take full advantage of many financial incentives provided by the government to encourage energy conservation strategies. The planners have started appreciating the role and significance of energy conservation in future energy scenario of India. However, the achievements so far are far from satisfactory. It is imperative to develop energy conservation as a mass movement