India’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) target has been updated to achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. It also calls for reduction in the emission intensity of its gross domestic product by 45% till 2030 from 2005 level. To achieve these targets, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, which contributes to 25% of the total industrial energy consumption, becomes a key focus area.
Many MSMEs, particularly textiles, bakeries, food-processing units, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper industries, and chemical industries, require heat for various processes. Owing to the lack of a feasible clean alternative, the dependency on fossil fuels is high. In the absence of waste heat recovery or preheater systems, MSMEs consume more fuel to raise the feedwater temperature. In this regard, solar thermal technologies could provide an innovative solution. The benefits to MSMEs include reduction in emissions and manufacturing costs as well as long-term sustainability.
Considering this technology can be beneficial for MSMEs and help India achieve its NDC and net-zero targets, substantial measures are needed to drive its progress and widespread deployment.
Read more
Cover Photo by Soroush Zargar on Unsplash
