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‘New technologies are viable but capital investment could be high’
 Asian
Regional Research Programme in Energy, Environment and Climate was conducted
in India, China, Vietnam, Philippines and Sri Lanka to understand the status
of Small and Medium Industries (SMIs) in textile, tea, foundry and brick sectors.
The study recommended a list of technologies (Express Textile issue dated June
10, 2004) that help save energy and says that SMIs have the potential to save
15-20 per cent of energy consumed. Sudha Swaminathan talks to Dr R
Rudramoorthy, professor, School of Energy, PSG College of Technology, which
was the national research institute for the project in India.
What is the current pattern of energy usage among SMIs
in the textile industry in India?
The Indian textile industry is a mix of units with highly modernised technology
and those that employ old technology. Energy consumption in a modernised unit
is less compared to a unit with low technology. We have taken a specific electrical
energy consumption in the spinning sector and found that energy consumption
varies between 3-3.5 units of electricity per kilogram (kg) of yarn. In case
of weaving, it varies from 2.9-3.1 units per metre of fabric. For knitting units,
the energy consumption stands at 0.09-.2 units per kg of fabric. In case of
dyeing it is 0.04-0.15 per kg of fabric. Steam consumption in a fabric dyeing
unit may vary from 4-9 kg of steam for per kg of fabric (The factory which consumes
less steam is employing a soft flow dyeing machine, relatively new technology).
Despite the potential to save 15-20 per cent energy, why
are the SMIs reluctant?
Though the entrepreneurs understand that there is scope for improvement in energy
consumption by introducing new technologies, it is not happening due to various
factors. Some of them are not able to introduce new technologies because of
financial constraints, lack of technical knowhow, shortage of required human
resources to handle new technology and the general tendency of resistance to
new technology. This barrier could be overcome with an intensive awareness campaign
that would reach SMIs. Also SMIs should be assured of proper maintenance service
by new technology providers.
How cost-effective are the technologies recommended by
the study?
All the new technologies which have been approved and recommended
by the study are economically viable for adoption. However, the initial capital
investment remains high for which SMIs do not have the resources. We should
develop a mechanism of credit that is easily available to the SMIs. If the technologies
recommended by the study are included in the TUFS list, it would attract SMIs.
Moreover, the recommended technologies help reduce pollution.
The study has recommended policy measures to boost energy
saving in SMIs. Explain what policy measures are needed?
Policies like compulsory energy audits, enforcement of energy
and pollution laws, setting up R&D centres, promotion of renewable energy,
setting up reasonable pollution norms and benchmarks, setting up technology
transfer centres, etc would boost energy conservation in SMIs. Allowing import
of new technologies with financial incentives will definitely attract SMIs.
Your study was regional. Are the technologies recommended
by the study applicable to textile SMIs across the country?
Yes. The identified technology can be used by all the SMIs in the textile industry.
It can be also be used by the large industries. Some of the common technologies
identified by the study can even be adopted by all the industries irrespective
of the sector.
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