UNIDO and CICU Unite for a Round Table Discussion on Concentrated Solar Thermal Technology in Support of Electroplating and Garment Sector

Ludhiana, October 16, 2023: In a commendable collaborative effort, the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) orchestrated a pivotal round table discussion on Monday, in the vibrant city of Ludhiana. This gathering was an integral part of the UNIDO-GEF-MSME project, executed in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). The focal point of this symposium was the exploration of Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) technology and its potential benefits for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clusters.
 
 
Upkar Singh Ahuja, the President of CICU, delivered enlightening insights during this assembly. He highlighted the multifaceted advantages of CST technology, emphasizing its profound utility for industries in Ludhiana. Notably, CST not only conserves energy but also contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a testament to its environmental sustainability.
 

Dr. Pankaj Kumar, the National Technical Expert representing UNIDO, presented an encompassing overview of the UNIDO-GEF-MSME project. His discourse shed light on the substantial technical and financial support available for MSME industries, emphasizing CST technology's compatibility with various sectors, including electroplating and the garment industries in Ludhiana.
 

Another crucial figure in this event, Debajit Das, the National Project Coordinator for UNIDO, updated the attendees on the pivotal GEF-funded solar thermal project. He elucidated on the financial support available for both demonstration and replication categories under the UNIDO-GEF-MSME initiative. The applications of CST technology, as outlined by Mr. Das, are remarkably diverse. It extends to heating the electrolyte in electroplating processes, as well as catering to the heating needs of boiler feed water in textile and garment processing units, making it a versatile solution for a range of industrial applications.
 

S B Singh, Joint Secretary, CICU while giving vote of thanks to the participants and delegates from UNIDO, expressed that CST adoption will greatly help the industries of Ludhiana in reducing the carbon foot print and in turn its sustainability profile.
 

In essence, this event served as a catalyst for not only disseminating the knowledge about CST technology but also ignited a collective drive among MSME clusters in Ludhiana to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, embrace sustainable energy alternatives, and work towards a cleaner and greener industrial landscape.