ENERGY CONSERVATION ACTS

United Kingdom

 Financial support is being offered to industry, equipment manufacturers and research

and development institutions so as to promote energy related research projects.
 In recent years the Government set up an Energy Efficiency Office which encourages
energy conservation in all sectors using schemes like
o The organization of an annual national energy management conference and
exhibition aimed at both the private and public sectors of industry and
commerce.
o 100 percent first-year tax allowance on capital expenditure may be applied for by
firms installing energy efficient machinery or plant, or who are undertaking the
insulation of existing buildings.
o  Developing and running educational courses as workshops or day courses in
conjunction with educational establishments and professional and trade
associations. The production of literature and short films, available on free loan,
covering the various aspects of energy conservation.

Canada

 In 1976 the Government introduced a tax incentive which allowed for a 50 percent
capital write-off on wood-waste energy conversion plant installed replacing traditional
fuels; a scheme which did encourage several mills to participate.
 A federal-provincial-industry committee was formed in 1977 to coordinate activities so as
to increase the use of mill residues and to investigate the reasons for reluctance to
convert to such systems by the industry itself.
 Incentives towards modifying existing equipment or the establishment of new conversion
plant, by way of contributions of 1020 percent (101) of direct capital costs, was offered to
the industry through the Forest Industry Renewable Energy Programme (FIRE).
 In 1980 the National Energy Programme was established by the Canadian Government
for the purpose of reducing, still further, its dependence on oil to the point of becoming
self-sufficient in oil by the year 1990.

Sweden

 An energy policy programme was introduced in 1975 which coincided with the formation
of several government agencies, of which the National Industrial Board administered
grants for energy conservation to the forest industry.

 Research and development into energy saving plant and processes were also given
financial support through the National Board for Technical Development and the National
Board for Energy Source Development.

 Up to 50% grant is available to companies who wish to manufacture and construct

prototypes and demonstration plants which incorporate a new energy saving technique.
 United States

 America's main aim, since the 1973, is for increased self-sufficiency in energy by way of
adopting policies which discourage the consumption of scarce and imported fuels and
encouraging the development of its own energy resources.

 All industries consuming in excess of one million GJ/A (100) must report their energy
consumption and conservation efforts to the Department of Energy, who assist the
company in becoming aware of its usage and the means with which to bring about
greater efficiency of use

 Incentives in the form of 10% investment tax credits are also provided for expenditures
on new capital plant which are based on an alternative energy source to fossil fuels.

 Recently federal legislation was approved to allow the production of electricity by

sawmills and other small producers to be purchased by the electrical power utility
companies, thereby encouraging yet greater efforts to utilize residues as an energy
source.

Germany

 The Federal Government of Germany has based its Energy Policy Programme on
market economy principles, whereby higher prices of energy bring about a desire for
reduced consumption and the substitution of oil by other traditional and renewable
resources.

 Financial incentives are on offer to allow for the introduction of energy saving plant and
processes, as well as research and development into such fields.

India

 In 2001, an ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT was passed by the central government

with the objective of providing legal framework for promoting energy conservation
measures in the country.

 Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was made operational on 1st March 2002 with the
objective of

o To exert leadership and provide policy recommendation and direction to national

energy conservation and efficiency efforts and programs. Development of new
financial instruments

o To coordinate energy efficiency and conservation policies and programs and take it
to the stakeholders.
 o To establish systems and procedures to measure, monitor and verify energy
efficiency results in individual sectors as well as at a macro level.

o To interpret, plan and manage energy conservation programs as envisaged in the

Energy Conservation Act.

 The Government of India has identified certain energy intensive industries labeled as
'designated consumers' and made it compulsory for them to conduct Energy Audits following
the ‘Bureau of Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2010

 The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) was launched by Ministry of power for
new commercial buildings in 2007. It sets minimum energy standards for new
commercial buildings.

 Bureau of Energy Efficiency intends to prepare the text/material on Energy Efficiency

and Conservation for its proposed incorporation in the existing science syllabi and
science textbooks of NCERT for classes 6th to 10th.

 The government of India launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
2020 in 2013. It aims to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric
vehicles in the country.

References:

1. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

2. National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)

3. www.beeindia.in

4. Energy Conservation Act 2001