A group of foundries here, mainly in the micro, small and medium-scale segment, will take measures to improve energy efficiency.
The initiative is a cluster programme by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in association with other industrial associations and government agencies.
Ayumi Fujino, UNIDO representative for India, told The Hindu here on Wednesday that the organisation has identified 12 clusters in the country in five sectors — foundries, dairy, brass, hand tools and ceramic.
In foundries, the clusters in Belgaum, Indore, and Coimbatore are identified for the four-year project.
Environment and energy are two major areas in which the UNIDO is working in the country and on the energy front, the focus is on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Its budget for the project in the 12 clusters is $7.8 million. The industries and government agencies will also bring in funds.
Partners
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Ministries of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and New and Renewable Energy are part of the initiative.
It will be implemented in Coimbatore jointly with the Institute of Indian Foundrymen and other related industrial associations.
“We are going to start the project. I came here on Wednesday to talk to counterparts, stakeholders, and the industry associations and to explain the aim of the project,” she said.
The programme will look at capacity building, bringing in global experts, conducting studies, energy audit and setting up a pilot project to demonstrate the new technologies.
An energy management cell will be established in the clusters.
The 12 clusters were identified based on an energy audit and analysis conducted by the BEE on energy intensive programmes. The UNIDO will work with the institutions and they will give the inputs to the industries. “We can show a business model that more units can adopt,” Mr. Fujino said. The project will have 20 to 30 units in each cluster.
Energy efficiency is an important area for industries as it is key to their competitiveness, she says.
