International Program Efforts related to Energy Efficiency
The
concept of energy efficiency offers multi-facetted benefits for a
sustainable and low carbon development worldwide. To date, most energy
efficiency initiatives are local, national or bi-lateral between
countries at best. Multi-lateral or truly international activities have
been increasing in number, for example in the EU and or regions where
agreements between multiple governments have been reached. International
projects are often financed by donor organizations like the Worldbank
and its affiliates with implementation by UN agencies. Most initiatives,
however, still focus on specific countries.
A dilemma of international energy efficiency initiatives is the
required trade-off between the smallest common denominator acceptable
for participating countries and the specificity of goals and targets to
be effective. Considerable differences in national government practice,
legislation and regulations, sometimes combined with a lack of
“willingness to cooperate”, make the value proposition of international
activities less attractive. An initiative that works well in one country
might not work in another country at all – an adaptation or dilution in
scope and outcome is often required.
Although policies and regulations are preferred ways to implement
energy efficiency, the approach is more complicated when multiple
countries are involved due to legislative differences. Voluntary
agreements are useful to “bring people on board” but typically lack
compliance enforcement and audits, a very common deficit in most
initiatives.
There are at least three requirements for an international energy
efficiency initiative to be successful: 1. local support and “buy-in”,
2. access to financing and 3. effective coordination of all parties
involved. Willingness to make policy changes and adopt regulations
locally and “local champions” are extremely beneficial.
The focus of international energy efficiency activities is in line
with existing national or local programs: buildings, appliances,
electrical equipment (motors, HVAC etc.), utilities/ grids and to a
lesser degree transportation. The industrial sector often lacks the will
to cooperate due to a competitive situation of companies in many
sectors (e.g. steel industry). International initiatives should focus
more strongly on smaller businesses and commercial areas, transportation
(non-fossil based), specific industry sectors such as textiles and IT/
technology (e.g. data centers). Innovation and R&D support as well
as monitoring of results are key components that need to be considered
more strongly when implementing energy efficiency measures.
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét