Prakash Pankaj | Team TrickyScribe: A virtual reality (VR) training program aimed at helping Coimbatore’s automotive sector reduce emissions was launched, marking a pioneering step in sustainable manufacturing.
The first-of-its-kind training workshop that was held under joint auspices of WRI India, Facilitating MSMEs in Tamil Nadu (FaMe TN), and Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA), seeks to equip local auto component manufacturers with the tools and training needed for energy efficiency.
The VR-based workshop focused on enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt sustainable practices by offering hands-on training in energy conservation. VR technology, which allows users to engage with real-time simulations and life-like scenarios, has proven invaluable for industries looking to integrate complex concepts into practical applications. By incorporating VR into training, workers gain a clearer understanding of technical processes and how to optimize energy use on the shop floor.
This initiative aims to tackle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in India’s automotive sector, which is under increasing pressure to evolve due to the rapid advancement of global technologies. Through VR-based simulations, MSME workers in Coimbatore learn to identify energy-saving opportunities within their units, contributing to a substantial reduction in operational costs and environmental impact.
Boosting Efficiency for a Competitive Edge
The event saw participation from over 30 auto component manufacturers and around 100 MSME workers. Alongside WRI India, partners included Laghu Udyog Bharati, the Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association (SIEMA), the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), and the Scientific Industrial Testing and Research Centre (Si’Tarc). The initiative is part of the larger Empower MSMEs Program, a flagship initiative introduced by WRI India and FaMe TN during the Elektrotec 2024 trade exhibition in August. The program focuses on providing low-carbon transition support for MSMEs across Tamil Nadu through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and financial guidance.
Shantha Sheela, state business facilitation officer at FaMe TN, emphasized the economic and environmental importance of energy efficiency, noting that the program also helps MSMEs access subsidies and state-supported schemes. These schemes, such as the LTPT subsidy and PEACE Scheme, are designed to help MSMEs adopt energy-efficient technologies.
K Mohan Senthil Kumar, President of Si’Tarc, highlighted that MSMEs often rely on judgment rather than measurement for energy use, leading to increased costs. By enabling workers to accurately measure energy consumption, VR training empowers them to implement energy-saving measures more effectively. Kumar explained that WRI India supports this initiative by providing audits, consultations, and training aimed at driving efficiency improvements.
Aligning with India’s Net Zero Goals
Highlighting the critical role of MSMEs in India’s economy, P. Ponram, Treasurer of CODISSIA, pointed out that this sector contributes nearly 29% to the national GDP and employs approximately 110 million people. He emphasized that sustainable energy practices are essential for MSMEs to remain competitive and contribute to India’s 2070 Net Zero goal.
The training program also includes insights into green procurement policies, increasingly adopted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Amitosh Gautam, senior program manager at WRI India, emphasized that reducing carbon emissions in MSME operations not only makes them more sustainable but also enhances their market competitiveness.
Paving the Way for a Greener Future
As Coimbatore’s automotive sector embraces VR-based training, it is well-positioned to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices and reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the city’s green transition, setting a precedent for MSMEs in other regions.
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