Cabinet nod: India to promote BEE’s star labelling programme in Bhutan, export hydrocarbons to the country

New Delhi: The Cabinet has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bhutan for co-operation in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation, an official statement said on Wednesday. “The MoU was signed between Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India and Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan,” said an official statement on Wednesday.

India to promote BEE’s star labelling programme for households in Bhutan

As part of this MoU, India aims to assist Bhutan to enhance energy efficiency in the household sector by promoting the star labelling programme developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The formulation of building codes, to suit the climate condition of Bhutan, will be facilitated based on India’s experience. The creation of a pool of energy professionals at Bhutan is envisaged by institutionalising training of energy auditors.

“The training of retailers would help in the dissemination of energy-efficient products with consumer audience regarding savings from star-rated appliances. India aims to support Bhutan in its endeavor to develop and implement the Standards and Labelling scheme,” said the government.

Energy-intensive appliances are the main products leading to higher consumption at households or at commercial establishments. In view of the rapid growth in energy-intensive consumer goods, the demand for electrical energy has been increasing every year. This rising demand can be optimised, if consumers prefer high-efficiency appliances. BEE is spearheading India’s star-labelling program that now covers 37 appliances used in daily life, said the statement.

The MoU has been prepared by the Ministry of Power in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The MoU will enable exchange of information, data and technical experts related to energy efficiency and energy conservation between India and Bhutan. It will help Bhutan to ensure the availability of energy-efficient products in the market. The MoU will analyse energy efficiency policies and cooperation in the field of energy efficiency research and technology deployment.

India to export petroleum, oil to Bhutan

Additionally, the Union Cabinet also approved the signing of another Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of India Bhutan on general supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) and related products from India to Bhutan.

"The Memorandum of Understanding will promote bilateral trade in the hydrocarbon sector and will ensure secured and long term supply of petroleum products to Bhutan. Since, exports play crucial role in realising Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The MoU will give thrust towards self-reliant India. The MoU will be a strategic fit as Energy Bridge in India’s Neighborhood First Policy," said the statement.

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