India's Ujala scheme attracting global attention indicates global conclave hosted by BCC&I

The Transforming Face of Energy -- A Convergence towards Sustainability' was the theme of the 10th edition of the conclave, organised by the BCC&I (Bengal Chamber).

Thought leaders, policy makers and captains of the industry from across the globe participated in the two-day conclave.

Energy Efficiency Service Ltd (EESL) is the nodal agency that ensures the implementation of the Central government's Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) scheme.

Saurabh Kumar, MD, EESL, interacted with participating companies for Ujala-based opportunities to invest in UK and Europe.

UK-based Cenergist said that it is seeking to distribute low cost LED bulbs in the UK under collaboration with EESL.

Talking about Indian ventures, Saurabh Kumar said, “These energy sustainable products including LED tube-lights and energy efficient fans will be available soon at post offices, common centres and petrol pumps.”

He said under their streetlight programme, they have changed three million street lights without getting the municipal bodies involved and thus bills have been considerably reduced.

Kumar said the project, which has been successfully implemented in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh and will commence soon in Hyderabad, has helped EESL to break the record of the French company, Citelum, to go on to become the company managing the highest number of streetlights.

Upendra Tripathy, Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA; an international alliance of more than 120 countries)  spoke about the Solar Summit to be held on December,  where the French President, the Indian Prime Minister, the UN Secretary General and others are scheduled to meet .

He said, “ISA is a platform where best cases not only go outside India but the best cases from outside come to India too.”

ISA is also focusing on popularising the use solar lamps, solar pumps and solar home lighting systems, especially in the least developed countries

Apart from discussions, the Conclave also saw the release of the cover of a book titled 'Sustainable energy: A transformational journey', where global experts will share their views and suggestions on energy sustainability

The book, a collaborative project between Dr. Sudipta De, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Key Resource Member, Energy and Environment Committee, The Bengal Chamber and Dr. Mohsen Assadi, Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, will be published by International Academic Publisher Springer.

On the second day, a memorandum of understanding was signed between TERI and Cenergist for taking forward the Ujala Project in the UK.

(Reporting by Shilpa Salwan)