Mr. Burgtorf, you run the Indo-German Energy Programme (IGEN). What lies behind this title?
IGEN is a joint programme launched by the German and Indian governments to improve the energy supply in India. India’s economic growth is causing a constant increase in the country’s demand for energy in general, and for electricity in particular − a demand that cannot be met at present. This frequently leads to production losses − especially outside the major cities. At the same time, outdated industrial plants are still widespread. Measures to improve energy efficiency are the best way to deal with these problems. The Indian government has already implemented a corresponding energy-saving law.
What does your work look like in practice?
We advise the Indian Ministry of Power: on the one hand the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and on the other the Central Electricity Authority, the agency responsible for power stations. Our day-to-day work is varied, but most of the time is taken up with managing the various projects initiated by the programme. Like my Indian staff, I have a desk directly at the BEE, and in the future I’ll be joined by another German expert. This enables us to exchange information with the staff of the two Indian government agencies whenever necessary, and this is the basis of our work.
India is already well positioned in the field of renewable energies − especially in wind power. Where are people most in need of advice?
Currently in the field of energy efficiency. The Indian government has clearly recognized that this is where the greatest potential for meeting the growing demand lies. Every kilowatt hour that can be avoided reduces CO2 emissions and investment in new power stations.
How would you assess your progress up to now?
We have been most successful in the implementation of the energy-saving law. Since the programme began, more than 4,500 energy managers and over 3,500 energy auditors have been trained and examined by Indian state agencies. They ensure energy efficiency in power stations, industry and the administration. Furthermore, consumer information and the labelling programme are making energy consumption more transparent. Like in Germany, today in India you can choose your refrigerator or air-conditioning system according to its energy consumption. Improvements are also visible in industry, which is very energy-intensive. For example, the cement works with the lowest energy consumption are awarded gold, silver or bronze medals. Those who do nothing at all only get tin. Much remains to be done in other fields, too. And we are in agreement with our Indian partners that we want to continue along this path together for several years to come.
Jens Burgtorf
works for the Society for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) in New Delhi.
Germany is supporting moves towards a sustainable energy supply in many countries of the world: with wind power in Egypt, hydroelectric power in Indonesia, biomass in Nepal, geothermal energy in Kenya and solar power in China. The demand for energy in developing countries will at least double over the next 20 years. If mostly fossil energy sources were used to meet these needs, it would be an enormous burden on the environment. Many developing countries and NICs (newly industrializing countries) share an energy partnership with Germany. Within this cooperation framework Germany is providing green technology, expert knowledge and development grants to help many countries, mostly in Africa, Asia and Latin America, to better exploit the potential of climate-friendly energy sources and expand both renewable energy and energy efficiency.
