Senthil


Area Convenor,
Industrial Energy (Bangalore),
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Mr. Senthil

A graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from College of Engineering , Anna University Chennai 1991 and holds a masters degree in Business Administration specializing in Production Management from Bharathidasan University Trichy.

Has got an overall work experience of 30 years in industry and Consultancy in the field of Energy efficiency, Decarbonisation , Renewable energy, Power System, Sustainability etc. He is associated with Industrial Energy Division in TERI from 1995 and currently holds the position of Senior Fellow.

An Accredited energy auditor from Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, and has carried out more than 400 Energy audits in different types of establishments. The range of audit covers, energy efficiency audits for industrial sectors, power quality audits, municipal water systems, street lighting audits, Public Utilities, Power Plants , Shipping etc. Has got experience in working with multi - lateral developmental agencies as energy expert in several countries in the field of energy efficiency and management.

He holds a professional membership with Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM) Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, and Indian Society of Lighting Engineers Karnataka Chapter.He has published several technical papers in journals and in seminars and has also co-authored a book “Light Right” for practicing engineers.

Title: Energy transition and sustainable pathways for industrial sector

The industrial sector, a cornerstone of global economies, faces the dual challenge of meeting escalating energy demands while drastically reducing its environmental footprint. This abstract explores the critical need for an energy transition within the industrial sector and outlines sustainable pathways to achieve it.

The current energy paradigm, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is no longer viable given the escalating climate crisis and volatile energy markets. The transition necessitates a fundamental shift towards decarbonization, driven by the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen, coupled with significant advancements in energy efficiency and electrification of industrial processes.

Key sustainable pathways include:

  • Comprehensive Energy Audits: Targeted at saving energy savings costs through detailed techno-economic study. Detailed energy audits involve step-by step in-depth study of all energy using plant utilities/sub-processes/equipment system etc, in the manufacturing line, to assess and evaluate energy saving potential at each stage.
  • Process Optimization and Waste Heat Recovery: Implementing advanced technologies and strategies to minimize energy consumption in existing processes and effectively harness waste heat for other applications.
  • Industrial Symbiosis and Circular Economy Principles: Fostering collaboration between industries to share resources, by-products, and waste, thereby reducing overall material and energy footprints.
  • Integration of Smart Technologies and Digitization: Leveraging AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimize energy management, predict maintenance needs, and improve operational efficiency across industrial facilities.
  • Development and Deployment of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technologies: For hard-to-abate sectors where full decarbonization remains challenging, CCUS offers a crucial interim solution to mitigate emissions.
  • Policy Support and Financial Incentives: Government policies, carbon pricing mechanisms, and financial incentives are essential to de-risk investments in sustainable technologies and accelerate their adoption.

Successfully navigating this energy transition requires a holistic approach, encompassing technological innovation, robust policy frameworks, inter-industry collaboration, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. By embracing these pathways, the industrial sector can not only mitigate its environmental impact but also enhance its competitiveness, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to a resilient and sustainable global energy future.