GEDA to host workshop to promote Energy Efficiency in Surat Textile Industry 

Surat : In a concerted effort to bolster energy efficiency within the textile industry, the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA), and WRI India jointly organized a workshop titled ‘Energy Efficient Technology and Accessing Finance.’ The event took place on International MSME Day, June 27, in Surat.

Surat, renowned as India’s textile powerhouse, stands to gain immensely from this initiative. The workshop aimed to connect Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the textile sector with technology providers and financing agencies. By bringing together over 80 textile MSME associations, textile MSME owners, energy-efficient technology companies, and banks such as the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the workshop sought to promote sustainable development in the industry.

The primary objective of the workshop by GEDA in Surat is to provide textile MSMEs with access to energy-efficient technologies, financial facilities, and the knowledge required for their effective utilization. Implementing these technologies is expected to yield significant cost savings, reduce energy consumption, improve productivity, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Key speakers at the workshop includessenior officials from both the Central and State Governments. Saurabh Sinha, Deputy Director (Technical) of the Ministry of Textiles, Dr. Jijnasha Ojha, Regional Officer of GPCB, and Amita Pandya, Senior Project Executive of GEDA, shared their insights on the benefits of energy efficiency in the textile sector. Additionally, Jitendra Vakharia, President of SGTPA, provided an industry perspective on the issue.

The program is part of WRI India’s Climate Resilient Employees for a Sustainable Tomorrow (CREST) initiative, supported by the Aris Charitable Foundation. Launched on August 28, 2023, the Rise-Surat initiative aims to equip at least 50 MSMEs and 500 workers in Surat’s textile sector with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to reduce India’s carbon footprint. This initiative focuses on climate mitigation, skill enhancement, and economic support, aiding MSMEs in transitioning towards low-carbon industries.

WRI India, in collaboration with GPCB and SGTPA, has already initiated skill training programs under the Rise-Surat initiative. These programs address the four fundamental pillars of climate mitigation, skill enhancement, economic support, and energy efficiency.

The workshop highlights the critical role of energy efficiency in ensuring the sustainable growth of Surat’s textile industry. By adopting energy-efficient technologies, MSMEs can achieve substantial cost reductions, enhance productivity, and contribute to environmental conservation. This initiative not only supports the economic development of MSMEs but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.