Mr R R Deshpande, Executive Director, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., presenting the "Best Performance in Small Units" award to Kirloskar Corrocoat Pvt Ltd, Kirloskarvadi

Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), a global fluid management company, recently organised the 23^rd ENCON award to promote the importance of energy conservation. Dr. Pramod Deo, Chairman, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, graced the occasion as a chief guest. 15 Kirloskar Group companies such as Kirloskar Brothers Limited, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited, Kirloskar Pneumatics Company Limited and their subsidiaries actively participated in this innovative award.

Since 1989, ENCON's main objective has been to encourage & recognize the efforts of the Kirloskar Group companies for optimal utilization of energy resources. Usage of Renewable energy has always been the backbone of Kirloskar's operations. Out of the total energy consumption, renewable resources contribute 38% and 30% at Kirloskar Brothers Limited and Kirloskar Oil Engine respectively.

Speaking at the function, Dr Deo said "Optimal utilization of energy is a very critical aspect of any business and government has reinforced this with the launch of PAT schemes for 8 energy intensive sectors to increase the energy efficiency in India. There is also a vast need to establish a measurement system for electricity supplied to agricultural sector to identify the area for saving. In the absence of a measurement matrix, it is very difficult to calculate the losses incurred". He further added, "I am very glad to see Kirloskar group playing its role in promoting usage of renewable energy resources."

Mr R R Deshpande, Executive Director Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited and mentor of ENCON, said "With the diminishing availability of energy resources, we at KBL have emphasized on the importance of energy conservation for years. The rising cost of energy will adversely impact the manufacturing businesses and hence Energy Conservation projects have become an integral part of the annual business plan for each & every company. In the last financial year, we have invested Rs. 33 crore for the energy conservation projects which has resulted in Rs. 20 crore of savings."

ENCON award 2012 encouraged and recognized the efforts of 8 large and 7 small manufacturing units for efficient use of energy resources. The three leading winners who have made a significant contribution to the energy conservation were awarded certificates and trophies. Kirloskar Pneumatics Company Limited & The Kolhapur Steel Limited won special award for Best Innovative Project and Highest Return on Investment Project respectively. Mr Basant Gover was awarded the ENCON Person of the year.