India's E-cooking Transition on World Environment Day

• 05 Jun 2023

For Prelims: World Environment Day, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), e-cooking, Saubhagya program, Mission Lifestyle for Environment(LiFE) , renewable energy sources, Sustainable Development Goal 7.1

For Mains: E-cooking alternative to traditional cooking methods, Role of LiFE initiative in promoting sustainable lifestyles, Sustainable Development Goal 7.1

Why in News?

World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5^th, serves as a platform to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability.

• On the 50^th anniversary of this significant day, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), an international non-governmental organization organized a "Conference on Consumer-Centric Approaches for E-cooking Transition" in New Delhi.
  • The conference aimed to accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient, clean, and affordable e-cooking solutions in India.

What are the Key Highlights About World Environment Day 2023?

• About:
  • The United Nations Assembly established World Environment Day on 5^th June 1972, which was the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the human environment.
  • It is hosted by a different country each year.
    • India in 2018 hosted the 45^th celebration of World Environment Day under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
  • The year 2023 World Environment Day is hosted by Côte d'Ivoire in partnership with the Netherlands.
  • This year marks the 50^th anniversary of World Environment Day.
• Theme for 2023:
  • The theme will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.
• Objective:
  • Raise awareness, mobilize communities, and encourage collaborative efforts to address plastic pollution and promote a healthier and more sustainable environment.

What is E-Cooking?

• About:
  • E-cooking involves the use of electric cooking appliances as a clean and energy-efficient alternative to traditional cooking methods.
  • It encompasses the adoption of electric stoves, induction cooktops, and other electric cooking devices in households.
• Transition to E-cooking:
  • India's achievement of 24/7 electricity access has been a significant driver for the transition to e-cooking.
  • The Saubhagya Scheme has played a pivotal role in providing electricity connections to millions of households, eliminating power cuts, and creating an environment conducive to the adoption of electric cooking.
• The Role of LiFE:
  • E-cooking plays a vital role in the Mission Lifestyle for Environment(LiFE) initiative.
    • Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021.
    • Mission LiFE aims to transform individuals into pro-planet advocates and promote sustainable lifestyles.
  • Access to clean cooking energy is an essential aspect of India's energy transition journey, aligning with the goals of Mission LiFE.
• E-Cooking as the Future of the Indian Kitchen:
  • With reliable electricity access, e-cooking is poised to become the future of Indian kitchens.
  • The scalability and affordability of electric cooking technology make it a viable option for both urban and rural areas.
• Affordable E-Cooking Business Models:
  • Developing affordable business models is crucial to promote widespread adoption of e-cooking solutions.
  • Utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar and thermal power, can help reduce costs and make e-cooking more accessible.
  • Implementing aggregation models and price reduction strategies can further enhance affordability, enabling e-cooking to reach a larger population.
• Minimal Technology Barriers:
  • E-cooking faces minimal technology barriers, as concerns regarding appliance faults and compatibility with various dishes have been addressed.
  • Replicating successful e-cooking models at scale and gradually replacing traditional cookers with electric ones can build consumer confidence and facilitate a smooth transition.
• Benefits for the Power Sector and Consumers:
  • E-cooking presents a win-win situation for both the power sector and consumers.
  • It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7.1, ensuring universal access to clean cooking and improving indoor air quality.
  • E-cooking can reduce energy consumption in reheating and contribute to a cleaner, greener lifestyle.

What are the Other Initiatives Shaping India’s Energy Transition?

• Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA)
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC)
• National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) and Smart Meter National Programme
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME)
• International Solar Alliance (ISA)

What is Bureau of Energy Efficiency?

• The Government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• It assists in developing policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy.
• Major Programmes: State Energy Efficiency Index, Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, The Standards & Labeling Programme, Energy Conservation Building Code.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)

1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

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Mains

Q. Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

Source: PIB