Energy Conservation in Small Sector Tea Processing Units in Southern India

What is the Project About

what is the project all about

The project, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, aims to introduce energy conservation measures in the firewood intensive tea sector in south India by addressing information, technology and financial barriers that stand in the way of greater adoption of energy conservation technologies and practices.

What Have We Accomplished So Far

What have we accomplished so far
  • Over 200 small tea processing units have implemented a range of energy efficiency measures in both thermal and electrical energy triggering close to US$ 2.5 million in private investment

  • With an estimated annual production of 200 million tons of tea in south India, energy-efficient measures are projected to save 24.6 million kWh and 62 million kg of wood in electrical and thermal energy. This would reduce CO2 emissions by 0.13 million tons of CO2

  • The present interventions have resulted in reducing carbon dioxide emissions generated from producing a cup of tea from 17 to 12 grams per cup of tea

  • While energy costs savings are INR 2.78 per kg of made tea, investments in energy efficient measures are INR 2.4 per kg of made tea, allowing for a comfortable pay back period off 9 months on these investments

  • Impact studies post implementation of 86 factories show that 263,952 tons of CO2 emissions reductions has resulted from the energy efficiency measures undertaken. On an average, the tea produced with ENCON measures generated 0.266 kg CO2 lesser (10 percent less) than earlier (3.81 kg CO2/kg of tea)

  • Reduction in energy costs by INR 2 per kg of tea through popularization of briquettes, made of agriculture residues

  • Four fuel testing facilities have been set up in Valparai, Vandipe riyar, Munnar and Wayanad to ensure good quality of biomass wood and briquettes. These facilities help to measure calorific value, ash content and moisture of the fuel sample

  • Innovative methods introduced in Jayshree Tea briquetting unit have helped the unit maintain moisture content of raw materials to 15 percent which is optimal for tea processing

  • Three hot water generators, with a capacity of 10 lakh kcal per hour, have been purchased, which will, based on studies, help in reducing firewood consumption by 350–400 tons per year and carbon dioxide emissions by 600 tons per year in a medium-sized factory

  • A strong supply chain of energy equipment dealers has been established, which has also helped cater to the special needs of the tea units

  • Knowledge products such as tutorials on energy efficiency measures ‘Destination Efficiency,’ promotional documentaries, process document, a dedicated project website ‘www.encontea.org,’ and a compendium ‘Consolidation of Detailed Energy Audits’ were developed as part of the project.

Funding Support by



Global Environment Facility, Government of India

Expenditure in Previous Fiscal Year

US$ 192,676

Project Overview
Status:
Ongoing
Project Start Date:
2008
Estimated End Date:
2012
Geographic Coverage:
Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, Wayanad, Kerala
Focus Area:
Environment and Energy
MDG:
Goal 7- Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Project Officer:
S N Srinivas
Partners:
Partner 1: Ministry of Commerce, Government of India; Partner 2: The Tea Board, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu; Partner 3: Technology Informatics Design Endeavour
Highlights
  • Tea processing in India is energy intensive, relying heavily on firewood
  • Over 200 small tea processing units have implemented energy efficiency measures in both thermal and electrical energy
  • Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions generated from producing a cup of tea from 17 to 12 grams per cup of tea
  • Tea produced with energy conservation measures generated 0.266 kg CO2 lesser (10 percent less) than earlier (3.81 kg CO2/kg of tea)
  • Reduction in energy costs by INR 2 per kg of tea through popularization of briquettes, made of agriculture residues
Related Documents
Posters
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Saving Energy. Protecting Livelihoods


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