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Context: To facilitate and accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices in the industry, the Union Ministry of Power has established a dedicated Centre of Excellence called UTPRERAK, which stands for Unnat Takniki Pradarshan Kendra. The Centre aims to be a catalyst for transforming the Indian industry into a low-carbon and sustainable sector.

Details

• India is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing its renewable energy capacity as part of the global efforts to combat climate change. One of the key strategies to achieve this goal is to improve the energy efficiency of various sectors, especially the industry, which accounts for about 40% of the country's total energy consumption.
  • To facilitate and accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices in the industry, the Union Ministry of Power has established a dedicated Centre of Excellence called UTPRERAK.

UTPRERAK

• UTPRERAK stands for Utilisation Transformation and Promotion of Renewable Energy Resources by Application of Knowledge.
• It is a joint initiative of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), and the National Productivity Council (NPC).

Key Objectives

• The main objective of UTPRERAK is to provide technical support, capacity building, policy advocacy, and knowledge dissemination to the industry stakeholders on various aspects of energy efficiency. 

Demonstration

• The Centre showcases the latest and best energy-efficient technologies in different industry segments, such as steel, cement, textiles, chemicals, etc. It acts as an exhibition cum information centre and knowledge repository, where industry stakeholders can learn about the benefits and feasibility of adopting these technologies.

Dissemination

• The Centre serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among industry professionals, experts, researchers and policymakers. It organizes workshops, seminars, webinars and other events to share best practices, case studies, success stories and challenges in implementing energy-efficient solutions.

Development

• The Centre also contributes to the capacity building and skill development of energy professionals from various sectors. It offers training courses, certification programs, online modules and other educational resources on energy efficiency. It aims to train more than 10,000 energy professionals in the next five years.
• The Centre provides inputs for policy formulation, links education and research in energy efficiency, and develops innovative applied solutions for specific industry needs.

Some of the key features of UTPRERAK are:

• It will act as a one-stop solution for all the energy efficiency needs of the industry, covering sectors such as steel, cement, textiles, chemicals, fertilizers, paper, and food processing.
• It will offer services such as energy audits, benchmarking, technology assessment, project implementation, financing, monitoring and verification, and certification.
• It will leverage the existing schemes and programmes of the Ministry of Power, such as PAT (Perform Achieve and Trade), UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All), SLNP (Street Lighting National Programme), and EESL's Super-Efficient Equipment Programme (SEEP).
• It will collaborate with national and international agencies, research institutions, industry associations, and technology providers to facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
• It will create awareness and sensitization among the industry stakeholders on the benefits of energy efficiency and the opportunities available under UTPRERAK.

Significance

• It will help the industry to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint, thereby contributing to the national goals of energy security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.
• It will enhance the competitiveness and profitability of the industry by reducing its operational costs and improving its productivity and quality.
• It will create employment opportunities and skill development for the youth in the field of energy efficiency.
• It will foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the energy efficiency sector by creating a conducive ecosystem for new technologies and business models.

Some challenges in its implementation

• The lack of awareness and motivation among the industry stakeholders to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices.
• The high upfront costs and long payback periods are associated with some of the energy-efficient technologies.
• The difficulty in accessing finance and incentives for energy efficiency projects.
• The lack of standardization and certification for energy-efficient products and services.
• The lack of coordination and convergence among various ministries, departments, agencies, and schemes involved in energy efficiency.

To ensure the success of UTPRERAK, some possible measures are:

• Strengthening the outreach and communication strategy of UTPRERAK to create awareness and demand among the industry stakeholders.
• Providing financial support and incentives to the industry stakeholders to overcome the cost barriers and encourage investment in energy efficiency projects.
• Developing a robust framework for monitoring and verification of energy savings achieved through UTPRERAK interventions.
• Establishing a quality assurance mechanism for energy-efficient products and services offered by UTPRERAK partners.
• Enhancing the coordination and synergy among various stakeholders involved in energy efficiency at different levels 

Conclusion

• UTPRERAK is a unique initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between technology development and technology deployment in the field of energy efficiency. It is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness, productivity and profitability of the Indian industry, while also reducing its environmental impact and carbon footprint. UTPRERAK is thus a key enabler for India's clean energy transition and green growth.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The term “UTPRERAK“ was frequently seen in the news, it is related to; A) Education Sector B) Power Sector C) Border Security D) Skill Development Answer: B

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1935484