CESL to Deliver 300 Electric Water Tankers to Delhi Jal Board

Convergence Energy Services Ltd. Supplies 300 Electric Water Tankers to Delhi Jal Board Amid Heatwave

In a move aimed at reducing the country's dependence on imported crude oil, Convergence Energy Services Ltd. (CESL), a subsidiary of state-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd., has announced that it will supply 300 electric water tankers to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). This initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in light of the ongoing heatwave in northern India and the war in West Asia, which has raised energy security concerns.

India's near-90% dependence on crude oil imports has been a significant concern, and CESL's move is seen as a step towards reducing this reliance. The company has been working to provide electric vehicles to central ministries, state governments, and other government agencies on lease under its EV-as-a-service model. The deployment of 300 electric water tankers, along with charging infrastructure, sensors, and open API integration, is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions, lower operational costs, and contribute towards improving Delhi's urban air quality.

The transition from conventional diesel-powered tankers to electric alternatives will also help create a more efficient and environmentally responsible public utility ecosystem. This move is particularly timely, as India is looking to reduce its dependence on imported crude oil, following the blockage of crucial supplies from West Asia in the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued severe heatwave warnings for northern India, which is likely to push up power demand and raise concerns about water scarcity.

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Financial Breakdown of Key Schemes

The PM E-Drive scheme, run by the Union heavy industries ministry, has allocated ₹4,391 crore to support the rollout of 14,028 electric buses in nine metro cities. Additionally, the Centre has subsidized the installation of 4,874 EV chargers in various fuel retail stations run by state-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, and various states with a ₹503.86 crore subsidy.