INSPIRE 2018 concludes: Showcases four unique & innovative solutions for energy efficient India

The three-day International Symposium to promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency (INSPIRE 2018) concluded in New Delhi. Organised by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint-venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and the World Bank, the third edition of INSPIRE witnessed participation from over 300 experts and delegates from India, Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand and the US.

Organised on the theme of innovation, INSPIRE 2018 included the first edition of a unique challenge, #InnovateToINSPIREthat was organised by EESL, in association with the World Resources Institute (WRI). The challenge identified four path-breaking innovationsin energy efficiency and clean energy from 94 entries. The four winners were felicitated by Shri R.K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Power, New & Renewable Energy, (I/C), Govt. of India. Winners were also awarded a cheque of Rs 5 lakh, each.

The winners are

• Next Drive Electric
• Minion Labs
• Cydee technologies Private Limited
• Mobile Li-ion Battery System (MOLIB)

“Energy efficiency measures are perceived as public goods, but delivery private benefits. These co-benefits are important for capturing and transforming energy markets. Countries have been able to demonstrate effectiveness of clean energy effortswhen they close the loop on financing,” Dr. Ashok Sarkar, Senior Energy Specialist, The World Banksaid at theinnovation challenge sessionof INSPIRE 2018.

“Sharing knowledge and best practices is as important to promoting clean energy growth as sustainable financing.This is where forums like INSPIRE provide opportunity for knowledge sharing,” he added.

The three-day program consisted of nine sessions on: relevance of innovation & research in reshaping energy efficiency market; energy efficiency policy landscape and new developments across the globe; new initiatives in energy efficiency in Asia, aligning with global needs; energy efficient technologies covering appliances and cold chain; electric mobility and charging infrastructure; improved grid management and battery storage system; approaches to scale up energy efficiency through innovation; and financial instruments for energy efficiency.

During the three days, eminent speakers deliberated on enhancing grid management, eMobility, battery storage, financial instruments and technologies for energy efficiency in India. Eminent dignitaries at the event included Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI; RV Shahi, Chairman, EnergyInfratech; Dr. Brain Motherway, Head of Energy Efficiency, IEA; Dr. OP Agarwal, CEO, WRI; Jiwan Acharya, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB; Gireesh Pradhan, Ex-Chairperson, CERC; Atul Bagai, Head of Country Office India, UN Environment;

Dr. Steven Fawkes, Managing Partner, Energy Pro, UK; Mr. Iain Campbell, Rocky Mountain Institute, among others.

The symposium also featured an exhibition of the eight finalists to the #InnovatetoInspire Challenge, along with EVs by Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra & Nissan.

Wrapping up the symposium, Saurabh Kumar, MD, EESL said, “The outcome of the three-day conference has been encouraging. The discussions in the last three days and entries for the #InnovateToINSPIRE challenge will go a long way in enabling a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future for all. We are thrilled that Hon'ble Minister Shri R.K Singh asked for the event and the innovation challenge to be repeated annually to bring innovators and companies together.”