Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between India and Bhutan. Through this agreement, they extended cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation measures.
As part of this MoU, India aimed to assist Bhutan in enhancing energy efficiency in their household by promoting a star labeling program. This program was developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. They formulated building codes, to suit the climate condition of Bhutan. The creation of a pool of energy professionals in Bhutan was envisaged by institutionalizing the training of energy auditors.
This MoU was signed between the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India and Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal government of Bhutan.
The training of retailers would help in the dissemination of energy-efficient products with consumer audiences regarding savings from star-rated appliances. India aims to support Bhutan in its endeavor to develop and implement the Standards and Labelling scheme.
Energy-intensive Appliances are the main products leading to higher consumption in households or commercial establishments. Given the rapid growth in energy-intensive consumer goods, the demand for electrical energy has been increasing every year. This rising demand can be optimized, if the consumers prefer high-efficiency appliances. BEE is spearheading the country’s Star-labelling program that now covers 37 appliances used in daily life.
The MoU has been prepared by the Ministry of Power in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The MoU is expected to enable the exchange of Information, data, and technical experts related to Energy Efficiency and energy conservation between India and Bhutan. It can help Bhutan to ensure the availability of energy-efficient products in the market. The MoU will analyze energy efficiency policies and cooperation in the field of energy efficiency research and technology deployment.
