Energy efficiency by country
Energy efficiency by country[edit]
Europe[edit]
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Energy efficiency targets for 2020 and 2030.
The EU has set itself a 20% energy savings target by 2020 when compared to the projected use of energy in 2020 – roughly equivalent to turning off 400 power stations. At an EU summit in October 2014, EU countries agreed on a new energy efficiency target of 27% or greater by 2030. One mechanism used to achieve the target of 27% is the 'Suppliers Obligations & White Certificates'.[30]
Australia[edit]
The Australian national government is actively leading the country in efforts to increase their energy efficiency, mainly through the government’s Department of Industry and Science. In July 2009, the Council of Australian Governments, which represents the individual states and territories of Australia, agreed to a National Strategy on Energy Efficiency (NSEE).[31]
This is a ten-year plan accelerate the implementation of a nationwide adoption of energy efficient practices and a preparation for the country’s transformation into a low carbon future. There are several different areas of energy use addressed within the NSEE. But, the chapter devoted to the approach on energy efficiency that is to be adopted on a national level stresses four points in achieving stated levels of energy efficiency. They are:
- To help households and businesses transition to a low carbon future
- To streamline the adoption of efficient energy
- To make buildings more energy efficient
- For governments to work in partnership and lead the way to energy efficiency
The overriding agreement that governs this strategy is the National Partnership Agreement on Energy Efficiency.[32]
This document also explains the role of both the commonwealth and the individual states and territories in the NSEE, as well provides for the creation of benchmarks and measurement devices which will transparently show the nation’s progress in relation to the stated goals, and addresses the need for funding of the strategy in order to enable it to move forward.
Germany[edit]
Energy efficiency is central to energy policy in Germany.[33] As of late 2015, national policy includes the following efficiency and consumption targets (with actual values for 2014):[34]:4
| Efficiency and consumption target | 2014 | 2020 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary energy consumption (base year 2008) | −8.7% | −20% | −50% |
| Final energy productivity (2008–2050) | 1.6%/year (2008–2014) | 2.1%/year (2008–2050) | |
| Gross electricity consumption (base year 2008) | −4.6% | −10% | −25% |
| Primary energy consumption in buildings (base year 2008) | −14.8% | −80% | |
| Heat consumption in buildings (base year 2008) | −12.4% | −20% | |
| Final energy consumption in transport (base year 2005) | 1.7% | −10% | −40% |
Recent progress toward improved efficiency has been steady aside from the financial crisis of 2007–2008.[35] Some however believe energy efficiency is still under-recognised in terms of its contribution to Germany's energy transformation (or Energiewende).[36]
Efforts to reduce final energy consumption in transport sector have not been successful, with a growth of 1.7% between 2005–2014. This growth is due to both road passenger and road freight transport. Both sectors increased their overall distance travelled to record the highest figures ever for Germany. Rebound effects played a significant role, both between improved vehicle efficiency and the distance travelled, and between improved vehicle efficiency and an increase in vehicle weights and engine power.[37]:12
On 3 December 2014, the German federal government released its National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency (NAPE).[38][39] The areas covered are the energy efficiency of buildings, energy conservation for companies, consumer energy efficiency, and transport energy efficiency. The policy contains both immediate and forward-looking measures. The central short-term measures of NAPE include the introduction of competitive tendering for energy efficiency, the raising of funding for building renovation, the introduction of tax incentives for efficiency measures in the building sector, and the setting up energy efficiency networks together with business and industry. German industry is expected to make a sizeable contribution.
On 12 August 2016, the German government released a green paper on energy efficiency for public consultation (in German).[40][41] It outlines the potential challenges and actions needed to reduce energy consumption in Germany over the coming decades. At the document's launch, economics and energy minister Sigmar Gabrielsaid "we do not need to produce, store, transmit and pay for the energy that we save".[40] The green paper prioritizes the efficient use of energy as the "first" response and also outlines opportunities for sector coupling, including using renewable power for heating and transport.[40] Other proposals include a flexible energy tax which rises as petrol prices fall, thereby incentivizing fuel conservation despite low oil prices.[42]
Poland[edit]
In May 2016 Poland adopted a new Act on Energy Efficiency, to enter into force on 1 October 2016.[43]
United States[edit]
A 2011 Energy Modeling Forum study covering the United States examines how energy efficiency opportunities will shape future fuel and electricity demand over the next several decades. The US economy is already set to lower its energy and carbon intensity, but explicit policies will be necessary to meet climate goals. These policies include: a carbon tax, mandated standards for more efficient appliances, buildings and vehicles, and subsidies or reductions in the upfront costs of new more energy efficient equipment.[44]
Industry[edit]
Industries use a large amount of energy to power a diverse range of manufacturing and resource extraction processes. Many industrial processes require large amounts of heat and mechanical power, most of which is delivered as natural gas, petroleum fuels and as electricity. In addition some industries generate fuel from waste products that can be used to provide additional energy.
Because industrial processes are so diverse it is impossible to describe the multitude of possible opportunities for energy efficiency in industry. Many depend on the specific technologies and processes in use at each industrial facility. There are, however, a number of processes and energy services that are widely used in many industries.
Various industries generate steam and electricity for subsequent use within their facilities. When electricity is generated, the heat that is produced as a by-product can be captured and used for process steam, heating or other industrial purposes. Conventional electricity generation is about 30% efficient, whereas combined heat and power (also called co-generation) converts up to 90 percent of the fuel into usable energy.[45]
Advanced boilers and furnaces can operate at higher temperatures while burning less fuel. These technologies are more efficient and produce fewer pollutants.[45]
Over 45 percent of the fuel used by US manufacturers is burnt to make steam. The typical industrial facility can reduce this energy usage 20 percent (according to the US Department of Energy) by insulating steam and condensate return lines, stopping steam leakage, and maintaining steam traps.[45]
Electric motors usually run at a constant speed, but a variable speed drive allows the motor’s energy output to match the required load. This achieves energy savings ranging from 3 to 60 percent, depending on how the motor is used. Motor coils made of superconducting materials can also reduce energy losses.[45] Motors may also benefit from voltage optimisation.[citation needed]
Industry uses a large number of pumps and compressors of all shapes and sizes and in a wide variety of applications. The efficiency of pumps and compressors depends on many factors but often improvements can be made by implementing better process control and better maintenance practices. Compressors are commonly used to provide compressed air which is used for sand blasting, painting, and other power tools. According to the US Department of Energy, optimizing compressed air systems by installing variable speed drives, along with preventive maintenance to detect and fix air leaks, can improve energy efficiency 20 to 50 percent.[45]
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