TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION AND RETROFITTING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Abstract

Energy is indispensable for survival of human being. It is used for lighting, heating, cooling and transportation. Energy efficiency is definitely an effective tool to cater the increasing demand of energy across globe. History revealed a tremendous technological improvement in energy usage. The first great energy technology was “fire”. This paper reviews the technological advancement in energy use efficiency, specifically after 18^th century. Since the invention of electricity in 1831, frequent inventions in energy efficient appliances were seen. After a series of energy transitions, man has successfully attained a modern and sustainable living in which compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) for lighting, hi-tech energy efficient appliances for heating and cooling, electric vehicles (EVs) for transportation are being used. These modern technologies provided safe, reliable and sustainable living as well as gave a solution of energy security and environmental challenges. But the adoption rate for these technologies is low. Different policy programs may be launched to enhance the saturation of energy efficient appliances, keeping in view the behavior of society.