Energy Conservation, Need of the Hour
Introduction: India is very likely to surpass China’s population by 2023. As the population is growing there is a growing need for energy as well. From vehicles to industries to electric and water connection in households, everything is driven by energy.
The term “energy conservation” is defined as “the reduction in consumption of non-renewable energy resources”. Energy conservation and energy efficiency is closely interlinked. These concepts are interdependent on one another. Using energy efficient methods and appliances is a good approach to conserve energy.
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Conserving energy would not be just advantageous at a global level but also help us reduce our electricity bills. Conservation of energy is going to help us in the long run. It is the need of the hour to use the existing resources judiciously. Energy sources like coal, petroleum and oil are depleting with increasing burden on them. Let’s see ahead on how energy can be conserved.
It involves reducing the consumption of energy and saving energy. Here, the concept of sustainable development also comes into the picture. Energy conservation reduces the ill effects of its production on the environment by reducing pollution. It also helps in prolonging the life of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum. Even though India is investing in renewable resources of energy yet it will take time to completely shift to newer sources and depending on renewable sources.
Hence, until alternative sources of energy are completely developed we need to judiciously use the existing sources of energy. India has repeatedly been vocal about the dangers of climatic change at various multilateral platforms, so it becomes our responsibility to fight climatic change. The biggest factor that contributes to climate change is accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Table of Contents
Green House Gases:
The greenhouse gases which include carbon dioxide, methane trap sunlight and doesn’t let it escape thereby increasing the global temperature. These greenhouse gases are result of the burning of fossil fuels that include coal, natural gas etc. Burning coal causes acid rain, smog, and soot. It also creates toxic air emissions, which causes congenital disabilities, asthma, emphysema, cancer, and many other severe health-related conditions. Nine out of ten human beings breathe air that exceeds the WHO’s guideline limits for pollutants.Those living in low- and middle-income countries suffer the most.The pollutants inhaled like oxides of nitrogen, sulfur and carbon are very harmful. Carbon monoxide is very lethal and can cause death of a person.
Judicious Use of Existing Sources:
Even though India’s commitments would eventually lead to net zero target and shift to non renewable sources for 50 percent of its energy dependence but it will take considerable time. The research and development is not optimal so it becomes necessary to judiciously use the existing sources. When we lower the amount of energy we use, we reduce fossil fuel depletion which helps clean up the environment. Switching off fans and lights when not in use will lead to saving of a lot of energy.
Using energy efficient appliances is very important. Replace the conventional and traditional sources of light with CFL, LED, or smart bulbs. Repair plumbing issues like running toilets and taps that leak. Take small showers. Close the taps while brushing or shaving. Ceiling fans can be used to properly circulate air throughout your home, which will help with your air conditioner and heating systems’ efficiency. On warm days avoid using cloth dryers and hang clothes on wires under the sun.
Also, avoid using hair dryers. Instead let them dry naturally. Clean up the cooling systems and heating systems as recommended. Keep your refrigerator coils dust-free to prevent energy waste. Replace outdated models of appliances with energy efficient ones. Using smart appliances is a good way to optimize energy usage. There are many benefits of smart appliances. This advanced technology automatically makes adjustment when your electricity is most used.
Panchamrita: The 5 goals in the Panchamitra are as follows-
- India will get its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatt by 2030.
- India will meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements with renewable energy by 2030.
- Carbon emission to be reduced by one billion tonnes by 2030.
- Carbon intensity of its economy to be reduced by 45 percent by 2030.
- India will achieve net zero by 2070.
These goals show that shifting and depending on renewable sources is a good approach to save energy. Hydroelectric power, solar power and wind energy is a source of clean energy. Not only this but research in green and blue hydrogen is also a positive step towards it. Hence, it is now the time to start investing in installing renewable energy and fostering research and development in these sources and eventually bring fruition to Panchamrita goals so that we are utilizing good sources well before we cannot depend further on fossils.
Atmospheric warming is very much associated with climate change and has the potential to increase ground-level ozone in many regions, which may present challenges for compliance with the ozone standards in the future. Reducing dependence on coal in a phased manner is an important step towards decarbonizing the atmosphere. PM- KUSUM, National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, Rooftop Solar Scheme are some other steps in the positive direction. Blended diesel with ethanol is also another innovative development to address this issue. Compulsory installation of solar panels in fields, restructuring the urban development and housing standards so as to install solar grids on terraces is yet another good step.
Conclusion: Renewable energy is considered to be one of the cleanest and environment friendly sources of energy. It is one of the best ways to use technology and conserve energy, and what’s more important is that they are completely safe for the environment too. Simple changes can lead to significant savings and improve the quality of our lives allowing us to sleep a little easier knowing that we are doing our part to help reduce our impact on the environment by conserving energy.
