Under the UK-India Technical Assistance Programme on “Accelerating Smart Power and Renewable Energy” (ASPIRE), the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Government of UK in partnership with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India, organised a sectoral workshop on “Best Practices in Energy Efficiency in Chlor-Alkali Sector: A Path for Decarbonization” on 27/02/24 which was hosted by Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL) at its Dahej complex.
The workshop covered various aspects such as the PAT scheme, CCTS, the Indian Carbon Market, new emerging technologies, etc. During the workshop, the stakeholders deliberated on best practices, technologies, and policy interventions required to accelerate the decarbonisation of the Chlor-Alkali sector, which is not only energy intensive but energy sensitive as well.
Addressing the participants virtually, Shri Swaroop P. IAS, the Managing Director of GACL, stated, “Our pursuit of excellence in the field of Energy Efficiency & Decarbonisation reflects the commitment of our management, motivated employees, and Energy Consultants, who have helped us achieve the best Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) index ever recorded by any unit in the Chlor-Alkali Sector. I am also proud to share that our commitment and efforts have been truly acknowledged through the award of ‘The Top Performer Designated Consumer for PAT Cycle II’ under the Chlor-Alkali sector in 2023 by BEE, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. For years, GACL has remained a trendsetter in the Industry and is committed to remaining so in the future.”
The event, held at GACL’s Dahej Complex, saw participation from approximately 100-150 attendees representing various Chlor-Alkali plants across India, such as Head – Energy Sector Reforms, British High Commission; representatives from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE); KPMG India; Idam Infra; IDEEKSHA Platform; Grasim Industries; INEOS Group; HTFE (India Partner of Centrica PLC, UK); LAT Water Limited, UK; Carbon Clean, UK, and many others. Additionally, 50 individuals had the opportunity for a plant visit, gaining practical insights into GACL’s commendable efforts in energy efficiency.
Under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), BEE introduced the PAT Scheme in 2007-08 as a significant step towards energy conservation. GACL, recognized as one of the Designated Consumers (DC) in the Chlor-Alkali sector under the PAT Scheme, achieved top-ranking status in the Chlor-Alkali Sector for PAT Cycle II (FY 2016-17 to FY 2018-19). The outstanding performance led to GACL being honoured by BEE on March 1, 2023, in an event held in Delhi, where the Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Shri R K Singh also launched the IDEEKSHA Platform.
The IDEEKSHA Platform, a key initiative developed in collaboration with BEE, serves as a knowledge-sharing hub for Industrial Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency. It covers eight energy-intensive sectors, including chlor-alkali, facilitating collaboration and information exchange among DCs and technology suppliers.
GACL, being one of the largest chlor-alkali producers operating in a high-energy-intensive sector, recognizes the significance of such workshops in fostering connections, sharing industry best practices, and staying informed about the latest technologies. The event underscored the commitment of GACL to contribute to the energy efficiency journey within the Chlor-Alkali sector and align with national and international initiatives for a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
