President of India Felicitates Winners of National Energy Conservation Awards 2025
December 14:
National Energy Conservation Day 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, felicitated the winners of the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025 and the National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation 2025.
The prestigious event, organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, highlighted India’s unwavering commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and responsible energy use across all sectors of the economy.
Energy Saving Equals Energy Production: President
Addressing the gathering, President Droupadi Murmu described energy conservation as the most reliable and environment-friendly source of energy. She emphasised that saving energy is equivalent to producing energy—without exerting additional pressure on natural resources.
She noted that as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India’s rising energy demand—driven by urbanisation, industrial growth, wider electricity access, and improved living standards—must be met through sustainable and responsible pathways. The President congratulated all awardees for setting exemplary benchmarks in energy conservation.
India Leading the Global Green Energy Transition
Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, stated that India has positioned itself at the forefront of the global energy transition, aligning its strategies with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius.
He highlighted that India has achieved a historic milestone by reaching 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of the target committed under the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Minister also underlined the significant role of BEE’s flagship initiatives such as the PAT Scheme, ADEETIE, and Standards & Labelling Programme in driving nationwide energy efficiency. He pointed out that India has successfully decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, as emissions have grown at a much slower pace than GDP.
Renewable Consumption Obligation Notified
Shri Manohar Lal further informed that to accelerate emissions reduction, the Ministry of Power has notified the Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO). Under this mandate, DISCOMs, captive power plants, and open access users must source a minimum share of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources.
Behavioural Change Key to Energy Conservation
Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, said that energy conservation is not only about technology but also about behavioural change. Simple actions like switching off unused appliances and choosing energy-efficient products can make a significant difference.
He noted the growing participation of India’s youth, especially students, in the energy conservation movement, reflecting a positive mindset shift towards sustainability in a New India.
New Award Category for Digital Creators
Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Pankaj Agarwal, highlighted that India’s vision of Energy Security, Green Growth, and Viksit Bharat 2047 can be realised only through judicious energy use.
Director General, BEE, Shri Dhiraj Kumar Srivastava, announced the introduction of a new award category for Social Media Influencers and Digital Content Creators, recognising the growing role of digital platforms in spreading awareness on energy efficiency.
About National Energy Conservation Awards 2025
A total of 558 applications were received across sectors including industry, buildings, transport, appliances, innovation, and professional services. The awards this year included:
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25 First Prizes
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5 Second Prizes
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26 Certificates of Merit
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3 Certificates of Recognition for Innovation
National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation
Over 80 lakh students from Classes 5 to 10 participated nationwide. Winners received cash prizes, laptops or tablets, and opportunities for educational study tours within India.
The President personally presented awards to the winners, encouraging young minds to become ambassadors of energy conservation.
