Survey Report on Technology Adoption and Baseline Operational Practices of Brick Kilns in East UP Clusters

As cleaner kiln technologies gain traction, understanding on-ground adoption and performance is essential to scale impact. This report by the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) presents insights from a field survey of over 150 brick kilns across Ghazipur, Lucknow, and Varanasi, assessing technology uptake, operational practices, and efficiency outcomes.
The analysis highlights strong adoption of Zig Zag technology in Lucknow and Varanasi, while identifying gaps in Ghazipur. It examines fuel consumption, production efficiency, and brick quality, and outlines key operational and capacity challenges. The report offers a clear roadmap for improving kiln performance, reducing emissions, and strengthening sector-wide transition through targeted interventions and policy support.
Key Insights
- Zig Zag adoption is high in Lucknow and Varanasi, with scope to accelerate uptake in Ghazipur
- Operational inefficiencies continue to impact fuel use, production, and output quality
- Targeted training and awareness are critical to improve performance outcomes
- District-level insights enable more tailored and effective interventions
- Strengthening operational practices can drive energy efficiency and emissions reduction
- Evidence-based recommendations support policy action and sector modernisation