Adopt new digital technologies for sustainable power solutions: Vice President

The government should support manufacturers of electrical and electronics equipment and protect the industry from cheap imports, said Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu while inaugurating 13th edition of ELECRAMA – the biggest showcase of the world of electricity organised by Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from March 10 to 14.

He adds, “At the same time, industry leaders must embrace digital technologies and come up with futurist solutions to meet India’s growing need for sustainable power.”

Naidu said the industry must align itself with the government’s vision of LPG – liberalisation, privatisation, globalisation – and brace up for global markets.

“With path-breaking economic reforms and annual GDP growth rate of about 7.2 per cent, India is poised to become the third largest economy worldwide in the next 15 years. The electrical, industrial electronics and allied equipment industry must invest in research and development of storage systems so that electricity can reach all households,” he said.

The Vice President appreciated that the industry provides direct employment to five lakh people and indirectly employment to 10 lakh people.

He said that the government plans to put six to seven million vehicles on Indian roads by 2020 to reduce carbon emissions. He also called for innovative solutions to harness solar power for environment protection and sustainable development.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu also called for adopting new technologies to improve energy efficiencies. “The Indian electrical and electronics industry has the skills and capacity to even explore global markets.”

He said ELECRAMA 2018 is a global event showcasing integrated solutions to complex energy problems. “Apart from being a premier showcase of product and technology, it is also a leading business networking, knowledge and thought leadership platform for the industry,” he added.

Satish Mahana, Uttar Pradesh Minister of Industrial Development, was also present on the occasion.

IEEMA President Shreegopal Kabra said that the association has a membership of more than 800 with a combined turnover of over 42 billion dollars. He said the electrical equipment industry hopes to export goods worth 35 billion dollars by 2022, up from six billion dollars at present.

The five-day ELECRAMA 2018 has more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. Visitors from more than 120 countries are participating in it. Visitor footfalls anticipated are more than 2.5 lakh.

ELECRAMA Chairman Vijay Karia said the industry is aligned with government initiatives like Make in India and Power to All 24 x 7 by 2022. He said ELECRAMA is a platform for knowledge-sharing and Indian manufacturers can learn from their counterparts in developed countries.

ELECRAMA is now focusing on the paradigm shift from the earlier T&D in electricity space to the focus on electric vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), storage solutions and renewable energy.