The energy-intensive textile industry contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “Collectively, textiles are responsible for 4 Gt of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per year, or 5–10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—more than aviation and maritime shipping combined.”

The textile sector in India is taking various measures in its manufacturing processes to reduce emissions intensity. Some state governments have done their bit by introducing subsidies to help the textile industry adopt renewable energy to power their operations and lower their energy-related emissions.

Last September, the Maharashtra government announced a capital subsidy for textile units installing a solar power project with a maximum capacity of 4 MW. In its textile policy 2022-25, Haryana offers up to ₹5 million (~$59,602) for textile MSMEs to install rooftop solar systems.

Several textile units across the country are using such incentives to cut their energy costs while also becoming more sustainable in their operations. In a recent example from Haryana, Sirsa-based Sharda Cotton Industries has recently installed a 400 kW rooftop solar system. The projected annual savings on electricity costs is ₹4 million (~47,681) from the rooftop installation, which will generate 570,000 units of power.

Sharda Industries’ rooftop solar system was recently commissioned by ARM Renewables, a solar developer and EPC services company. Waaree supplied the solar panels, and Sungrow supplied the inverters.

According to ARM Renewables’ Managing Partner Raghav Aggarwal, Sharda Industries’ annual electricity bills were between ₹10 million (~119,185) and ₹15 million (~$178,777). “With the 400 kW rooftop solar system, they can expect to save about ₹4 million annually,” he said.

Aggarwal said the capital subsidy provided by the Haryana government to MSMEs to install rooftop solar is a big incentive. “MSMEs across sectors like agro-based industries, spinning mills, and steel are increasingly going solar in Haryana and Punjab to save on energy costs and become more sustainable.”

Mercom India has been hosting a series of “Clean Energy Meets” for the commercial and industrial sectors across various cities. The next event in the series is scheduled for September 20, 2024 in Pune. These events will help stakeholders find optimum solutions for purchasing low-cost, reliable, clean power and learn how the energy market is evolving for a seamless transition towards clean energy while navigating technological and financial challenges.