Energy Conservation and Its Various Facets

Kathmandu; In our weekly information feature "Urja Gyan" published by Urja Khabar, this week we are presenting information on "Measures for Energy Conservation." In our previous issue, we had published insights on "Battery Swapping and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations."

1. What is Energy Conservation?

Answer: Conservation of energy means utilizing technology and methodology to consume less energy and utilize it more optimally with lesser use of no value. It does not mean avoiding use of energy, but proper and efficient use of it to save resources and the environment and also spend less.

2. Importance of Energy Conservation

Environmental Protection: Burning of coal, oil, and gas emits CO₂, SO₂, and NOx, causing global warming, acid rain, and air pollution. Conservation of energy reduces the usage of these fuels and emissions, helping to combat climate change.

Economic Benefits: Saves electricity and fuel costs in households, offices, and industries. Reduces government spending on imported petroleum and coal.

Resource Conservation: Fossil fuels are finite. Conservation keeps them for future generations.

Energy Security: Nepal depends heavily on foreign fuels. Energy conservation reduces such dependence and associated risks.

Increased Efficiency: Newer technologies (such as LED bulbs, energy-efficient motors, insulation) allow more work with same energy.

3. Methods of Energy Conservation

At Household Level

• Turn off lights, fans, and appliances when idle.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs (80% more efficient).
• Utilize Energy Star-rated appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.
• Design houses with adequate insulation, natural light, and ventilation.
• Use solar water heaters instead of electric heaters.

In the Transport Sector

• Use public transport, a bicycle, or walk whenever possible.
• Service vehicles regularly, maintain correct tire pressure, and give maximum engine performance to save fuel.
• Use fuel-efficient or electric cars.
• Plan routes in an optimal way to reduce distance and time.

In the Industrial Sector

• Conduct energy audits to identify wastage of energy.
• Install efficient motors, compressors, and boilers.
• Use smart controls for lighting, heating, and cooling.

In Commercial/Office Buildings

• Use motion sensor lights.
• Use natural light in office design.
• Regularly maintain HVAC systems.
• Use paperless office systems.
• Incorporating Renewable Energy
• Install solar panels on roofs.
• Use biogas plants in rural towns.
• Use small hydropower in remote areas.
• Use wind and geothermal power wherever feasible.

4. Benefit of Energy Conservation

Environmental

• Decreases greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
• Reduces air and water pollution.
• Protects forests and biodiversity.

Economic

• Reduces local, industrial, and national energy costs.
• Saves money on imported oil, gas, and coal.
• Generates jobs in renewable energy and green technology sectors.
• Increases national economic and policy stability due to reduced dependency on imports of energy.
• Reduces likelihood of load-shedding.
• Resource Conservation
• Ensures long-term use of finite resources (coal, oil, gas).
• Promotes sustainable use of renewable resources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.

Improved Quality of Life

• Energy-efficient houses stay cooler in the hot season and warmer in the cold season.
• New appliances conserve household labor.
• Cleaner air and water improve health.
• Advantages to Industry and Trade
• Increased efficiency reduces production costs.
• Less complicated to compete in the global market.
• Encourages innovation in green technology.

5. Problems/Challenges of Energy Conservation

• Lack of Awareness and Education
• People are not always conscious of energy they waste.
• Schools and communities lack energy education.
• Most perceive energy conservation as a burden.

High Initial Cost

• Energy-saving appliances (LEDs, Energy Star refrigerators, EVs) are costly.
• Solar panels, insulation, and industrial equipment entail huge investments.
• Long payback period for investments.

Limited Access to Technology

• Technologies are not easily accessible in developing nations.
• Highly dependent on imports.

Behavioral and Social Barriers

• Ignoring small habits (turning off lights).
• Resistance to lifestyle modification (avoidance of public transport).
• Attitude of "If others don't save, why should I?"

Policy and Implementation Weaknesses

• Lack of government incentives or subsidies.
• Unclear coordination between government, industry, and the public.

Infrastructure Problems

• Aging electrical systems lead to losses of energy.
• Old and inefficient machinery are employed by industries.
• Lack of proper urban planning causes traffic and fuel consumption.

Dependence on Fossil Fuels

• Governments hesitate to conserve fossil fuels due to revenue and employment concerns.
• Low-energy-cost-dependent industry opposes conservation policies.

Measurement and Monitoring Issues

• Difficult to measure the level of energy saved.
• Limited experience of conducting energy audits of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.