In a significant move towards sustainability, Coimbatore’s automotive sector has embraced Virtual Reality (VR)-based training to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency. Organized by WRI India in collaboration with Facilitating MSMEs in Tamil Nadu (FaMe TN) and the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA), the workshop aimed to equip auto component manufacturers and workers in the region’s MSME sector with cutting-edge tools to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices.
This first-of-its-kind VR training session took place on Friday, drawing over 30 auto component manufacturers and around 100 MSME workers. By utilizing VR technology, participants experienced realistic simulations of energy-saving techniques, empowering them to visualize complex models and improve their understanding of energy conservation within their units.
Driving Energy Efficiency with VR Technology
The VR-based training focused on enhancing energy efficiency in MSMEs by offering a hands-on approach to grasp technical concepts related to energy consumption. This initiative helps workers identify opportunities to save energy in conventional industrial equipment, reduce operational costs, and contribute to India’s broader environmental goals.
“Energy efficiency is crucial for MSMEs to reduce costs and boost sustainability,” said Shantha Sheela, state business facilitation officer at FaMeTN.
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Sheela added, “MSMEs should conduct energy audits and upgrade their operations, with support from state schemes like the LTPT subsidy and PEACE Scheme. FaMeTN, in partnership with WRI India, is helping MSMEs in Coimbatore access training and state subsidies to promote energy-efficient practices.”
VR Training: A Key Step Toward Reducing Carbon Emissions
India’s automotive sector, particularly the MSME segment, is under growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt green manufacturing processes. As global supply chains push for green procurement policies, auto manufacturers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions like VR training to meet these evolving demands.
“MSME energy use is often based on judgment rather than measurement, which increases costs,” explained K Mohan Senthil Kumar, President of Si’Tarc. “To stay competitive, it’s crucial to reduce energy consumption. Workers need to understand energy use and contribute ideas for improvement, as they are directly involved in energy spending. Measuring efficiency is the first step, and after proper training, workers should take responsibility for conserving energy,” Kumar added.
A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability
The event was supported by several key industry associations, including Laghu Udyog Bharati, the Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association (SIEMA), and the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF). Hari Viswanathan, secretary of IIF’s Coimbatore Chapter, emphasized that optimizing energy usage not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances MSMEs’ competitiveness in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.
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Ponram, Treasurer of CODISSIA, highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in India’s economy, contributing 29 percent of GDP and employing 110 million people. He pointed out the importance of initiatives like this to support India’s “Net Zero” goal for 2070. ” The initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency and accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in MSMEs through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and financial support,” Ponram said.
The Path to a Low-Carbon Future for MSMEs
The VR-based training is part of the larger Empower MSMEs Program, launched during Elektrotec 2024 in August. The program is designed to facilitate a low-carbon transition for MSMEs in Tamil Nadu, with a focus on building resilience and sustainability through an inclusive framework.
“MSMEs need to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices to meet supplier demands, such as the green procurement policies adopted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),” said Amitosh Gautam, senior program manager at WRI India.
Gautam added, “Reducing carbon emissions in MSME operations is crucial and will help lower energy costs, ultimately making them more competitive.”
As Coimbatore’s automotive sector embraces VR technology for skill enhancement and energy conservation, it is poised to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals while ensuring future competitiveness.
