Tata Motors’ Dharwad plant has been awarded first prize in the Automobile Manufacturing Sector at the National Energy Conservation Award 2016.

Conferred by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India, the award was presented by Piyush Goyal, minister of state (I/C) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines.

On receiving the award, K Mohan Kumar, plant head – Dharwad, said “We are delighted to receive the National Energy Conservation Award, for energy conservation and management for the second time in a row. I would like to thank the team at Tata Motors Dharwad who has constantly focused on energy generation, utilization, conversion, storage, transmission, conservation, management and sustainability, by working on several projects to improve operational efficiency. The award will further reinforce our commitment to this critical area of operational excellence.”

Reduction in specific power consumption is thanks to the installation of LED high mast and VFD’s for blowers and pumps at the autophoretic paint shops, resulting in reduction of power consumption by 2.9 lakh Kwh and 1.68 lakh Kwh respectively. Major fuel saving initiatives have also been conducted through the installation of magnetic flux fuel saving devices at the autophoretic paint shop. This has been done in addition to the usage of fuel additives in HSD, to increase combustion efficiency and cover reaction rinse tanks with heat resistant covers.

The National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated on December 14 every year, recognising industrial units that have made systematic efforts for efficient utilization and conservation of energy. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) evaluates the energy consumption data and shortlists companies. These shortlisted organizations are audited by the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Based on their recommendations, the energy conservation award is decided.

The automaker's Dharwad plant also claimed the National Energy Conservation Award in 2015.