India, June 29 -- Maharashtra's energy efficiency plan aims to help Kolhapur's foundry cluster cut energy use and emissions by 2031.

Foundry owners say poor awareness, limited access to subsidised finance and weak implementation of government schemes are slowing the transition.

Many small foundries believe switching from coal to electricity is enough, but auditors say energy efficiency requires furnace optimisation, equipment repairs and better operating practices.

Industry owners say changing solar banking rules and grid charges have made renewable energy investments less attractive and extended payback periods.

Omkar Bhagat, who runs Kohinoor Metallics, a foundry in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, had not heard of energy efficiency...