Print Friendly versionEnergy Efficiency Policies around the World: Review and Evaluation
Summary
This study is aiming to describe and evaluate energy efficiency trends and policies. While ADEME coordinated the project, the study was carried out over three years with contributions from more than 70 countries in addition to the technical assistance of ENERDATA.
The first objective of the study is to identify recent trends in energy efficiency performance in selected countries and regions at macro and regional levels. A selection of indicators is analysed and compared for that purpose. The methodology used is directly adapted from the European Commission project on energy efficiency indicators, ODYSSEE (ADEME/EnR/EIE Project).
The second objective is to describe and evaluate energy efficiency policies carried out in a sample of countries throughout the world. A survey was carried out in more than 70 countries and is focused on five policy measures, whose evaluation was completed in five detailed case studies prepared by selected experts: mandatory energy audits, ESCO's, energy incentives for cars, energy efficiency obligation for energy utilities, and the package of measures for solar water heaters.
Beyond a review of energy efficiency measures already implemented, the survey aimed to pinpoint the most interesting experiences and draw some conclusions on advantages and drawbacks of different policies. In particular, the study aimed to identify policy measures proven to be most effective, in order to make recommendations for countries embarking on energy demand management policies.
The Kyoto Protocol objectives, and more recently, concerns about security of energy supply have enhanced the importance given to energy efficiency policies. Almost all OECD countries now implement new measures adapted to their own national circumstances. Given a broad geographical coverage, the report provides a comprehensive and valuable source of information. The correlation between indicators and policy measures represents an original approach to energy efficiency evaluation. Non-OECD countries are implementing regulations to prevent an accelerating increase in electricity demand; Apart from the main role played by market instruments (voluntary agreements, labels, information dissemination), regulatory measures are still effective where the market fails to give appropriate signals e.g. (buildings, appliances, etc).
The recent experience in the context of high energy prices should be of great interest for the design of new, efficient policies. Transport remains the sector where experience is weakest. Urban air quality is a strong argument for developing new technologies and instruments but technology alone cannot provide a definitive solution if the infrastructure is not designed for sustainable mobility.
The project not only contributes to the ongoing information exchange helping to remove barriers to energy efficiency improvements, and to increase the transparency of policy and measures between countries.