India’s Modern District Energy System: A Solution for Growing Energy Demand
India is exploring modern District Energy Systems (DES) to address the increasing energy demand in cities. DES provides heating and cooling services using technologies like combined heat and power, thermal storage, and heat pumps. This system can reduce energy consumption by 50% and cut emissions, improving air quality and health.
Studies in Bhopal, Rajkot, Thane, Pune, and Coimbatore show that district cooling is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. India’s energy demand rose from 450 million tonne oil equivalent (TOE) in 2000 to 770 million TOE in 2012, with projections reaching 1250-1500 million TOE by 2030.
The UN Environment’s District Energy in Cities Initiative, supported by various international agencies, aims to double energy efficiency improvements by 2030. In India, the Central government has included DES in the National Cooling Action Plan, aligning with the Smart Cities Initiative.
UNEP and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) are collaborating to implement DES in India, starting with Thane. This initiative aims to reduce electricity and CO2 emissions by 35% and develop long-term policies for district cooling.
Doubts Revealed
District Energy Systems (DES) -: District Energy Systems are a way to provide heating and cooling to multiple buildings from a central location. This system is more efficient and can save energy compared to each building having its own system.
Combined Heat and Power -: Combined Heat and Power is a technology that generates electricity and captures the heat that would otherwise be wasted to provide useful thermal energy. This makes it very efficient for energy use.
UN Environment’s initiative -: The UN Environment’s initiative is a program by the United Nations to help countries use energy more efficiently and reduce pollution. It supports projects like DES to make cities cleaner and greener.
National Cooling Action Plan -: The National Cooling Action Plan is an Indian government strategy to improve cooling efficiency and reduce energy use. It includes projects like DES to help manage the growing demand for cooling in cities.
Thane -: Thane is a city in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is being used as a demonstration city to show how District Energy Systems can work effectively in India.
