Latest news with #BureauofEnergyEfficiency
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
The Engine's Primed: Energy efficiency awaits MSME leadership
Agencies Representational Walk down the narrow lanes of Ludhiana at dawn and you can almost hear India's economic pulse—furnaces roar, anvils ring, and small workshops trade grit for growth. The same rhythm beats in Morbi's ceramic kilns, Tirupur's humming knitwear mills, along with dozens of other hubs that together form a quiet giant. Globally, MSMEs are the economy's beating heart—nine of every ten businesses, two-thirds of jobs, half of GDP. India mirrors that weight: the sector sustains more than 60% of the workforce, generates 29% of GDP (FY 2021-22) and draws nearly a quarter of industrial energy (FY 2020-21). Yet these livelihood engines also shoulder punishing energy bills and a heavy carbon shadow: electricity alone can swallow 5-20 % of operating costs, and a dozen MSME subsectors release roughly 160 million tons of CO2 (Mt CO₂) each year —about seven per cent of India's 2020 total. Since the late-2000s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been associated with the understanding that MSMEs are to be treated not as an afterthought but as a frontier where efficient kilns, compressors, and furnaces can slash costs, curb emissions, and protect jobs in one stroke. Lighting the Spark BEE's first move was cartographic, not technological—map the hotspots. Thirty-five energy-intensive clusters, from Punjab's foundries to Gujarat's chemicals-and-dyes units, were surveyed. Embedded specialist teams ran audits, coached owners, and built the first evidence base. Twenty-one pilots turned diagnostics into precision castings, finer textiles, and measurable energy savings. A later memorandum with the Ministry of MSME deepened the work, producing forensic studies across 55 clusters and 550 detailed project reports (DPR). Those blueprints now underpin decarbonisation frameworks at NITI Aayog and guide state action plans. The spark, in short, had caught. Fixing the Finance From 2011 to 2021 BEE, the World Bank, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Global Environment Facility rewired the economics of efficiency. A SIDBI-anchored revolving fund funnelled capital into bankable projects while 750 auditors, 1,100 bankers, and hundreds of vendors stitched the diagnostics-to-deployment spoke. The World Bank–BEE programme alone nudged more than 1,000-plus MSMEs, steering ₹332 crore into upgrades and lining up five times more for follow-on deals. Annual savings: 31.5 kilo ton oil equivalent (ktoe) - enough energy to light a mid-size city; lifetime climate benefit: 2.72 Mt CO₂ - about the emissions from 2.25 million average passenger cars per year. UNIDO-BEE programme deepened the model in five clusters—12 local energy management cells, 800 trained service providers, and ₹255 crore in self-funded retrofits now trimming 11 ktoe annually. Proof in Coimbatore Take Coimbatore's foundries. Once choked by smoky cupolas and crushing power bills, they joined forces with UNIDO-BEE, industry body COINDIA, and PSG academic and industrial arms to install induction furnaces, VFD-driven chillers, and automated sand mixers. Today, more than 250 units cut 18 million kWh a year—saving roughly ₹14 crore in electricity—and avoid 15,500 t CO₂ annually, all on the back of a ₹31 crore clean-tech spend. One cluster's turnaround points to a national playbook. ADEETIE: marketplace for efficiency All this groundwork set the stage for ADEETIE—Assistance in Deployment of Energy-Efficient Technologies in Industries and Establishments—launched in July 2025. Running from FY 2025-26 to FY 2027-28, ADEETIE is less of a scheme, but more of a marketplace. It packages investment-grade audits, bankable DPRs, a curated technology catalogue, post-installation monitoring, and—crucially—interest-rate support: 5 percent for micro and small enterprises, 3 percent for medium ones. Loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹15 crore qualify, backed by a central outlay of ₹875 is baked in. It's anticipated that subsidised projects could deliver energy savings in the double digits. Sixty clusters across 14 sectors are onboard, with another hundred slated for phase II. ADEETIE leaves MSMEs no room for the old either-or dilemma—productivity or sustainability—because now they can secure both. The Road Ahead BEE's journey—from awareness drives to audits, from pilots to digital dashboards—has created a plug-and-play architecture. Energy, once a chronic handicap, is becoming a competitive lever—if enterprises opt 63 million MSMEs now stand before an open door. If they seize ADEETIE's toolkit—cluster by cluster, sector by sector—the gains could rewrite balance sheets and bend the nation's emissions curve. For a country chasing its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the MSME engine must not merely run; it must run efficiently. The roadmap exists, the finance is on tap, and the technology is proven. It's time for entrepreneurs to cash in on a low-carbon, cost-conscious future—and, in doing so, recast India's industrial story for the next generation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Can Chyawanprash save Dabur in the age of Shark-Tank startups? Piaggio sues former employee for 'Coldplay' reference on CEO Why Air India could loom large on its biggest rival IndiGo's Q1 results Can medicines inject the vitamins Amazon is missing? 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Mint
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
MoRTH may bat for biofuel vehicles in CAFE 3 norms input to BEE
New Delhi: Amid an ongoing tussle over emission norms in the world's third-largest auto sector, the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) is likely to ask the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to provide incentives to vehicles running on biofuels such as ethanol as well as flex fuels, according to two people aware of the development. Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency or CAFE-3 norms are a cap on the average carbon dioxide emissions of a carmaker's entire fleet, and are currently set at 113 grams per kilometre. MoRTH is likely to push for 'biogenic derogation' to be included in the third iteration of the norms, to be enforced from April 2027 at a lower cap of 91.7 g/km. Biogenic derogation refers to concessions given to emissions from flex fuels, ethanol, methanol, and other alternative biofuels. 'We are examining attaching differential weights to vehicles based on different fuel combinations including electric, bio fuels and also on domestic content under the Cafe 3 norms proposed' said the first person quoted above. Under current CAFE 2 norms, carmakers get benefits for selling cleaner technologies such as hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but vehicles running on biofuels have not been incentivized yet. MoRTH's push for biofuels is likely to provide manufacturers another option to reduce carbon emissions on Indian roads, with the penetration of electric and hybrid vehicles remaining low in most parts of the country. 'The plan will help address the concerns of the auto industry that keeping emission down with just one alternative fuel option by way of electric vehicles would be difficult as penetration of these vehicles still remains low. Now companies could push for attaining Cafe 3 norms by widening the fuel option for the vehicles,' said the person mentioned above. 'The weight system is still under discussion and once it is finalized, the same would be recommended to the panel that is finalizing Cafe 3 norms,' said the second person mentioned above. Email queries sent to MoRTH and BEE remained unanswered till press time. India's electric vehicle penetration for four-wheelers has risen up to 2.6% at the end of FY25, with a little over 100,00 electric cars sold out of more than 3.8 million cars. Biofuels are fuels produced from organic matter, or biomass, such as plants and agricultural or industrial waste. They can be used as a replacement for or in addition to fossil fuels like diesel and gasoline, and can also be used to generate heat and electricity. Biofuels are considered a renewable energy source because the biomass used to produce them can be replenished. They also help in containing CO2 emissions when used as fuel in vehicles. CAFE norms follow a 'super credit' system, wherein concessions are given for using cleaner forms of technology on the road. For instance, under current norms, the sale of an electric car is counted as three sales, while that of a fossil fuel car is counted as a single sale. This form factor multiple helps carmakers keep total fleet emissions low, as the average fuel efficiency is the total fleet emissions per sale. A publicly available BEE invite for stakeholder consultations in June 2024 noted that the sale of one strong hybrid car would be counted as two, that of a plug-in hybrid car would be 2.5, and electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars would be counted as three. BEE proposed in those consultations to increase these incentives for electric and hydrogen cars, but reduce it for hybrids. Auto industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) proposed in December 2024 the inclusion of a 'biogenic factor' in CAFE 3 norms. 'SIAM has proposed that CO2 produced from the combustion of biofuels should be classified as "green CO2" and therefore treated as zero, being biogenic CO2. This means that if a car runs on some blend of biofuel and petrol, the CO2 emissions from the biofuel component should be subtracted from the total tailpipe CO2 emissions for the purpose of CAFÉ calculation,' the letter dated 23 December 2024 said. Siam proposed to subtract 14.3% of a vehicle's tailpipe emissions if it was running on E20 flex fuel. E20 is a blend of ethanol (20%) and gasoline (80%). Indian carmakers are gearing up for the flex fuel shift. 'Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) has actively participated in the auto industry's discussions on CAFÉ 3 norms, with its views submitted to the Government via SIAM in December 2024. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of smart, sustainable, and future-ready mobility solutions for India. We would not be able to comment further on the discussions on CAFÉ 3 till we receive any official communication from the Government,' said Puneet Anand, AVP and Vertical Head (Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social), HMIL. Anand added, 'Currently, HMIL offers E20-compliant vehicles in line with prevailing Government regulations. In India, HMIL continues to deliver mobility options tailored to diverse consumer needs, spanning Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and Electric vehicles. Looking ahead, Hyundai Motor Company globally leads in propulsion technologies, encompassing ICE, CNG, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Electric and Hydrogen solutions.' 'HMIL remains committed to supporting the Government of India's vision for energy security, reduction in oil imports, and rural economic upliftment through the promotion of flex fuel technologies. In alignment with this, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, HMIL unveiled the first working prototype of the flex fuel-powered Hyundai CRETA, equipped with advanced powertrain technology capable of operating on fuel blends ranging from E0 to E100. This innovation underscores our dedication to sustainable mobility, as flex fuel vehicles powered by ethanol — a biogenic fuel — offer reduced net carbon emissions, enhanced performance, and potential economic benefits for consumers, especially with supportive Government policies on fuel availability and incentives.' Flex fuel vehicles are equipped with internal combustion engines that can operate on more than one fuel. They are primarily meant to run on ethanol and methanol or a blend of biofuels and on conventional fuels such as petrol or diesel. These engines can also run on various levels of ethanol blended in conventional fuels - typically from typically from E20 (20% ethanol) up to E100—without needing significant modifications in performance.
News18
21-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Brand Liaison Empowering Businesses with End-to-end Compliance Support
New Delhi [India], July 18: India's dynamic and fast-growing market is bustling with innovations in all sectors like electronics, electricals, telecom, and household products. Moreover, with rising consumer awareness and stronger emphasis being laid on energy efficiency and sustainability, the Indian government and statutory regulatory bodies have made product certification a non-negotiable aspect for businesses in the Indian market. Whether it's a smart appliance, a wireless gadget, or a component of industrial equipment, products being regulated and made accessible to the consumers in the market today must meet regulatory standards like BIS (ISI & CRS), BIS Scheme X, BEE, WPC, TEC, LMPC, and EPR before reaching Indian shelves. For manufacturers, importers, and global brands trying to enter and smoothly operate in this booming market economy, the compliance requirements can often feel overwhelming. That's where Brand Liaison steps in, as a service provider, along with being a trusted certification partner. With deep industry knowledge and expertise, and a decade of hands-on experience, Brand Liaison ensures comprehensive support to businesses. Let's explore how Brand Liaison, as a top-trusted compliance management consultancy firm, helps overcome compliance challenges and ensures your products meet all regulatory requirements with ease. Essential Product Certifications for the Indian Market Whether you're launching consumer electronics, telecom devices, energy-consuming appliances, wireless-based products, or various other types of goods in the market, for smooth operation, Indian regulations demand adherence to several technical and safety standards. Some key certifications mandatory for the Indian market, and being thoroughly assisted by Brand Liaison, include: 1. BIS Certification BIS is a quality assurance certification, granted for a variety of products in the Indian market. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national body that ensures products meet quality and safety benchmarks. Under BIS, there are three major certification schemes: ISI Mark Certification: This is required for products like cement, steel, pressure cookers, electrical wires, and other critical items. The ISI mark assures people that the product abides by the Indian safety and performance standards. CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme): This covers everyday electronic and IT products like LED bulbs, mobile phones, power banks, and TVs. Before they are allowed to be sold, these products must be tested in BIS-approved labs. BIS Scheme X Certification: Some products, such as low-voltage switchgear, control gear products, and industrial chemicals, are to be registered for a Scheme X Certification under BIS. 2. BEE Certification BEE certification is an energy-efficiency assuring registration, meant for the notified energy-consuming appliances in the market. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is under the Ministry of Power, established to encourage energy conservation by regulating energy-consuming appliances that use less power while also delivering promising optimal performance. There is a 5-star rating scheme of BEE that offers the star rating label to energy-consuming appliances based on their energy efficiency. More stars on an appliance indicate more energy efficiency. If you're making or importing appliances like fans, geysers, or air conditioners, BEE certification is a must. 3. TEC Certification If your product connects to a telecom network like a router, modem, switch, or IoT (Internet of Things) device, it falls under TEC's MTCTE program (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment). The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) ensures these devices are safe, secure, and compatible with Indian networks. It's a mandatory requirement for businesses dealing with telecommunication products in the Indian market. 4. WPC ETA Approval Selling wireless gadgets that are Wi-Fi or BT (Bluetooth)-enabled, like Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, etc., requires a WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) from the WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) Wing. This approval or certification, as it is commonly called, confirms that the wireless-based devices use only government-approved, license-free frequency bands and don't interfere with other signals. Without an ETA license, such products can get stuck at customs or face legal hurdles in the Indian market. 5. EPR Authorisation Today's market is not just about innovation—it's also about responsibility. If a business entering the Indian market deals in products that create environmental waste, like electronics, batteries, or plastic packaging, they'll need to register under EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). EPR ensures that producers take utmost responsibility for the end-to-end lifespan of their products and of what happens to these after consumer use. Whether it's recycling e-waste, collecting used batteries, or reducing pollution through appropriate disposal and reuse of the waste, EPR Authorisation is a commitment to a cleaner planet. There are three major EPR categories: • E-Waste: For items like mobile phones, computers, and accessories • Plastic Waste: For brands using plastic packaging or selling plastic goods • Battery Waste: For any business selling lithium-ion, alkaline, or other battery types 6. LMPC Registration (Legal Metrology for Packaged Commodities) For manufacturers, importers, and sellers of pre-packaged products in India, gaining an LMPC registration is mandatory under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. This is particularly because consumers have the right to clear and honest information about what they're buying. LMPC ensures that all packages sold in India impart true and relevant knowledge regarding the various details like MRP, net quantity, weight, etc. Common Challenges Faced by Businesses While various regulatory certifications are an unskippable step for market credibility for businesses, the path to obtaining them can be a bit difficult to tackle. Many businesses struggle with the procedural and technical demands to operate smoothly in the Indian market. Below are some of the common challenges businesses usually face: • Complex Documentation Requirements: There are a lot of documentation requirements ranging from manufacturer details, energy performance data, to lab reports and declarations. The paperwork involved is undoubtedly extensive and highly technical. Any errors in the same can delay the entire process. • Coordination with Accredited Labs: Product testing for several compliance requirements must be conducted in specific government-approved labs. Scheduling and managing these tests can become time-consuming and confusing, especially if there is no expert help. • Lack of Clarity on Procedures: The certification process involves multiple steps, which makes it hard for businesses to know what comes next or how to proceed correctly. • Limited In-House Expertise: Most companies lack dedicated teams for various certifications. This means that the existing staff must juggle core duties with compliance tasks, which often leads to stressful procedures and more chances of delays. • Uncertainty About Timelines: There is always uncertainty about timelines when it comes to the certification procedures. This always causes delays for businesses in market entry or shipments. How Brand Liaison Simplifies the Certification Journey Brand Liaison is a top-trusted compliance management consultant, helping businesses with comprehensive certifications for the Indian market. We provide complete certification and post-approval support. Here's how Brand Liaison eases the certification process for your business: • Expert Consultation: Whether it's BIS CRS for IT products, ISI for industrial items, TEC for telecom, BEE for star-labelled appliances, or EPR for environmentally regulated products, our team of dedicated and expert consultants evaluates your product category and guides you with tailored solutions for your business. • End-to-End Document Preparation : We help businesses to effectively prepare and validate all technical documents, declarations, test reports, and forms as per regulatory norms to avoid errors or rejections during submission, and prevent last-minute hassles and unnecessary delays. • Lab Testing Coordination: We coordinate directly with government-recognised labs (NABL, BIS, TEC, etc.) to get your product tested and ensure all results meet the applicable standards, to be compliant, and eligible for the Indian market. • Label/Marking Assistance: We assist businesses in label generation and mark usage, whether it's for BEE star labels, BIS CRS logos, ISI marks, TEC certificates, or WPC ETA documents, to ensure legal product sales. • Budget-Friendly Compliance Packages: With cost-effective compliance and certification solutions, we offer competitive pricing to support startups, MSMEs, and global brands alike, offering compliance without financial strain. Conclusion Regulatory compliance is no longer optional as it has become a key requirement for businesses aiming for credibility, market access, and long-term sustainability in the Indian market. From safety and quality assurance to environmental responsibility, certifications like BIS, BEE, TEC, WPC, and EPR are essential to stay compliant and competitive in the Indian economy. top videos View all At Brand Liaison, we help businesses meet compliance requirements with ease and efficiency. With deep industry experience and technical knowledge regarding various certifications for the Indian market, our team ensures that your compliance journey is smooth, timely, and stress-free. Get in touch with Brand Liaison, your one-stop solution for compliance management today, to ensure your product is market-ready and compliant with India's regulatory ecosystem. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 16:15 IST News agency-feeds Brand Liaison Empowering Businesses with End-to-end Compliance Support Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Energy efficiency push: Electronic appliances to soon carry detailed labels for transparency; what it means for you
Consumers will soon be able to verify star rating claims on electronic appliances such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, as they will carry detailed energy efficiency labels aimed to help people make informed choices. According to people familiar with the development,the updated labels are a part of the upcoming 'Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling) Regulations, 2025.' The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power said in a notification dated 10 July, that the new labels will offer greater transparency, specifying the product's country of origin, power consumption in easy-to-understand language, a unique serial number and a QR code for traceability. Industry executives cited by ET said that current energy efficiency labels do not provide enough information and are not consumer-friendly. There have also been instances where companies were found making false claims about energy performance. The new labelling system aims to encourage consumers to pick low power-consuming models and curb misleading claims, they added. Apart from common household appliances, manufacturers will also be required to affix these new labels on deep freezers, chillers, ceiling fans, geysers, solar photovoltaic modules, and certain commercial products. The regulations will lay out the process for applying for and obtaining label authorisation, as well as compliance testing and applicable label fees, the BEE said. The rules also mandate that the new labels be prominently displayed on the product itself and at retail stores. BEE has already proposed scrapping older label design rules for certain white goods like air-conditioners, refrigerators and televisions. 'There is a revision going on regarding label design. There are altogether five notifications on that,' a government official was quoted as saying. Under BEE's existing star-rating system, appliances are rated from one star (least efficient) to five stars (most efficient). These ratings are revised every two to four years to reflect updated energy efficiency benchmarks. As per the new norms, each label must display a unique label number, equipment name, brand name, model number, energy performance parameter, label year, rated capacity, star level, validity, country of origin, and the appliance's serial number. A QR code will also be included for digital verification. ET had earlier reported that the power ministry is working on a plan to incentivise consumers to replace air-conditioners that are 10 years or older with new five-star models, offering them scrapping benefits and discounted prices to support the energy efficiency push. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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Business Standard
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Star rating, QR code, origin: Labels on ACs, TVs, fridges to get a revamp
In a major step to help consumers pick genuine and energy-efficient products, new labelling norms are being introduced for appliances such as ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, ceiling fans, geysers, and solar PV modules, according to a report by The Economic Times. The labels will soon carry more detailed and user-friendly information, including the product's energy consumption, brand details, country of origin, star rating, and a QR code for traceability. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, issued a notification on July 10 for the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling) Regulations, 2025. These rules will replace older labelling guidelines for white goods and will also cover several commercial products. New programme to replace old ACs with energy-efficient alternatives The Ministry of Power, in coordination with the BEE, is developing a new initiative aimed at helping households replace air conditioners (ACs) older than a decade with newer, more energy-efficient alternatives. The proposed programme will likely include financial incentives to encourage the switch to five-star rated ACs, which consume much less electricity. India has seen a sharp rise in AC sales, jumping from 8.4 million units in 2021–22 to nearly 11 million in 2023–24. This reflects growing demand for cooling, especially as temperatures continue to rise. According to government estimates, buildings in India used nearly 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity last year, with cooling accounting for around 25 per cent of this. Most ACs over 10 years old are rated below three stars, making them significantly less efficient than current models. BEE states that replacing these with five-star rated units could help households save up to ₹6,300 annually in electricity costs while easing stress on the power grid during peak summer. Mandatory temperature limits proposed to improve energy use India is also considering setting a national temperature range for all air conditioners — including those in buildings and vehicles — to between 20 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. This would be the first time such limits are made mandatory. The idea is to reduce power demand spikes, lower electricity bills, and improve energy use efficiency. While some ACs currently allow settings as low as 16 degrees Celsius or as high as 30 degrees Celsius, the new rule would cap those extremes. According to a 2020 BEE directive, all star-labelled ACs — whether for rooms or vehicles — must have a default setting of 24 degrees Celsius. Commercial buildings are allowed to adjust this range slightly, between 24 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, to balance comfort and power savings.
