India’s Data-Driven Path, ET EnergyWorld

India has been at the forefront of the global fight against climate change, committing to ambitious climate goals, with sustainable energy as the cornerstone of environmental and economic resilience. The country’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2070 underscores this commitment.

Energy consumption is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, as over 75 percent of India’s energy still comes from fossil fuels. Without strategic changes, consumption is expected to increase dramatically with increasing urbanization, industrialization, and population. Recognizing that efficient energy use can contribute to the 40 percent emission savings target, India has actively committed to doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. Given these monumental goals, tracking progress becomes imperative.

Building an energy-efficient future requires a multi-pronged approach in which states are key players. Given the particular challenges at the state level and the significant influence of subnational bodies, strong local governance and improved institutional capacities are essential. A data-driven approach offers a key path to uncovering hidden inefficiencies, understanding consumption patterns and identifying areas with the greatest potential for impact. This approach enables the formulation of tailored energy-saving strategies and the implementation of effective energy-efficiency programmes.

continued below

Building a solid data infrastructure

At the heart of a data-driven energy strategy is the need to build a solid data infrastructure. This includes standardizing data collection methods at all levels and investing in state-level energy databases that can accurately capture, store, and analyze energy usage data. Without reliable and comprehensive data, it is difficult to plan and implement energy efficiency strategies.

The Government of India has been stepping up its efforts to improve energy data collection and analysis over the last few years. The annual State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI), developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in collaboration with the Alliance for Energy Efficiency (AEEE), is an example of the progress made towards institutionalising data collection, monitoring and tracking at the state and local levels. Another key move is the setting up of an Energy Data Management Unit (EDMU) under the BEE, which aims to collect and publish reliable data on energy supply and consumption across sectors. Complementing this initiative, NITI Aayog launched the India Climate and Energy Dashboard (ICED) 3.0, offering centralised access to near real-time data on energy, climate and economic indicators. Additionally, the updated India Energy Security Scenarios (IESS) 2047 (version 3.0) includes emissions, costs, land and water issues to support future planning.

These combined efforts provide a solid basis for informed decision-making. However, there is a persistent gap in the collection of accurate and detailed information on end-user energy consumption, which is much more difficult to capture than supply-side energy data. Prioritizing the energy data provided and establishing rigorous collection processes would enable decision-makers to develop targeted efficiency strategies and reduce overall consumption. In addition, insight into end-use patterns across sectors enables more precise policy interventions.

Using technology to improve energy management

Effective energy planning and conservation requires systems that measure and monitor consumption at the point of use, ideally at individual devices. Technological advances and growing demand have led to the emergence of cost-effective IoT-enabled building energy measurement systems that facilitate a data-driven approach to optimizing energy efficiency. These systems track consumption and costs, providing facility managers with real-time insights to improve energy use through smarter consumption and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and designs.

Taking inspiration from organisations like Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA), Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) – all of which have made significant strides in saving energy through the adoption of energy-efficient architecture (green buildings) and use of high-efficiency appliances – the State Designated Agencies (SDAs) have an opportunity to showcase energy management. This can be achieved through meticulous installation and maintenance of energy management systems, thereby setting a standard for others to follow.

Data for development

A solid data infrastructure is essential because it underpins informed decision-making at all levels. Quantification is key throughout this process. Data is needed to set realistic goals, track progress and measure impact. A data-driven approach should permeate every step – from policy development to implementation, monitoring progress and assessing real-world outcomes.

India has made commendable steps towards “putting words into action”. During its G20 presidency, the emphasis on “data for development” underscored a growing consensus: high-quality data is the basis for sound policymaking, efficient allocation of resources and effective delivery of public services. This emphasis on data-driven decision-making is a clarion call to intensify our efforts in the energy space. Innovation and investment in energy efficiency solutions are crucial not only to achieving climate goals but also to building a future where sustainable energy use is a cornerstone of development.

Most read in Renewable Energy Sources category