Promoting Energy Efficiency in Andhra Pradesh

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) urged the State Designated Agencies (SDAs) of all southern States, particularly the proactive ones like Andhra Pradesh (A.P.), to intensify their focus on energy efficiency and Mission LiFE in order to realise the immense potential for attracting global investments in key sectors such as industry, urban development, agriculture and building. 

What is Mission LiFE?

• LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) is a public movement to mobilize individuals to become 'Pro-Planet People'.
• LiFE was introduced in 2021—as a mass movement for “mindful and deliberate utilization, instead of mindless and destructive consumption” to protect and preserve the environment.
• It aims to nudge individuals and communities to practice a lifestyle that is synchronous with nature and does not harm it.
• LiFE builds upon India’s environment-friendly culture and traditional practices:
  • Water harvesting techniques: Step wells of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the underground tanks (tankaa) of Tamil Nadu, the check dams (johads) of Rajasthan and the Zabo system of Nagaland that deposit the water in pond-like structures on terraced hillsides.
  • Clayware: Commonly used for cooking and serving purposes.
  • Adaptive architectural forms that minimise electricity consumption and hand-washing and sun-drying of clothes
  • Dietary preference for plant-based foods and millets
• LiFE and SDG: The SDGs focused on
• • Sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11)
  • Responsible production and consumption (SDG 12)
  • Climate change (SDG 13)
  • Life on land (SDG 15)
  • Life under water (SDG 14)

Need of Energy Efficiency in India

• Energy efficiency is a low-cost option for meeting the growing energy demands.
• India's energy needs might increase by 2-2.5 times by 2047 as the country progresses towards becoming a developed nation.
• About 84 per cent of Indian energy is produced using fossil fuels, and current technologies to achieve Net Zero are not yet commercially viable.
• The potential of energy efficiency and demand electrification from clean sources to reduce CO2 emissions by 51 per cent by 2047 compared to the baseline.

Significance for Amaravati

• Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh’s new capital city and a future growth hub, holds particular importance in this endeavor.
• As the State progresses towards global benchmarks, integrating energy efficiency measures and Mission LiFE principles becomes essential.
• This effort seeks to establish eco-friendly standards, draw international investments, and elevate the State’s global visibility while enhancing living standards for its residents.

• Mission LiFE Introduction: Introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in 2021, Mission LiFE promotes sustainable consumption and a circular economy. The Ministry of Power is actively advocating for this mission to reshape India’s environmental narrative.
• Andhra Pradesh’s Potential: Andhra Pradesh is identified as having substantial potential to attract significant investments in energy efficiency. This initiative is expected to spur economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.