20110731-IEA-25_Energy_Efficiency_Policy_Recommendations_2011_130页_2mb

Summary of Progress Implementing the IEA 25 Energy Efficiency Policy Recommendations

Core Content

The IEA 25 energy efficiency policy recommendations are a set of policy measures aimed at improving energy efficiency across seven priority sectors: cross-sectoral activity, buildings, appliances and equipment, lighting, transport, industry, and energy utilities. These recommendations were developed to address energy security, environmental protection, and economic development, and were first introduced in the context of G8 summits in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The IEA estimates that if fully implemented globally, these recommendations could save up to 7.6 Gt of CO₂ per year by 2030, equivalent to almost 1.5 times the current annual CO₂ emissions of the United States.

This report evaluates the progress of IEA member countries in implementing these recommendations from March 2009 to April 2011, following two evaluations: one in 2009 and another in 2011. The findings show that all IEA member countries have made significant policy developments since 2009, particularly in transport, appliances, and lighting sectors, which were only planned in 2009.

The report also highlights the importance of energy efficiency as a key tool for addressing energy security, climate change, and economic growth. It emphasizes that energy efficiency is the "first fuel" for delivering energy services in a low-carbon energy future. Furthermore, it outlines the multiple benefits of energy efficiency, such as job creation and health improvements, beyond environmental and economic considerations.

Main Views and Key Information

Policy Implementation Progress

• All IEA member countries have made progress in implementing energy efficiency policies since 2009.
• Significant innovations have occurred across all sectors.
• Country-specific policies have been developed, reflecting different national circumstances, including energy supply, end-use economy, culture, and climate.

Key Sectors and Developments

• Cross-sectoral activity: Many countries have implemented policies to increase energy efficiency investments and ensure effective monitoring and enforcement.
• Buildings: New policies have strengthened building codes, and building certification schemes have been implemented and improved, particularly in EU countries.
• Appliances and equipment: Minimum energy performance requirements (MEPs) have been strengthened and expanded. Standby power requirements that were planned in 2009 are now being implemented.
• Lighting: Most countries continue to phase out inefficient incandescent lamps. Some have supported international efforts to promote high-efficiency lighting in off-grid communities.
• Transport: Regulations on tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), tyre rolling resistance, and CO₂ emissions standards for passenger cars have been introduced. Eco-driving and in-car feedback systems have also been promoted, especially in EU member states.
• Industry: Energy management and MEPs for electric motors have been strengthened. Some countries have also introduced policies to encourage energy utilities to deliver cost-effective energy savings.
• Energy utilities: Policies have been implemented to decouple utility revenue from energy sales, allowing energy savings to compete with energy sales.

Policy Implementation Tools

• A five-step colour grading system (Table 1) was used to assess the level of implementation for each recommendation. The levels are:
  • Fully implemented
  • Substantial implementation
  • Implementation underway
  • Plan to implement
  • Not implemented
  • Not applicable

Policy Context and Drivers

• The energy efficiency policy context varies from country to country, influenced by factors such as energy supply, economic structure, and climate.
• The main drivers of energy efficiency policy development include:
  • Energy security: Reducing imported energy and controlling energy demand growth.
  • Economic development and competitiveness: Reducing energy intensity and production costs.
  • Climate change: Meeting international climate obligations and EU directives.
  • Public health: Reducing indoor and local pollution and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Despite progress, significant unexploited energy savings opportunities remain.
• The IEA recommends that countries implement a robust portfolio of recommendations tailored to their specific energy and economic contexts.

Key Messages

1. Substantial policy implementation and innovation have occurred since 2009 across all IEA member countries and sectors.
2. Experience with IEA member countries is a valuable resource for both member and non-member countries, helping to accelerate global energy efficiency improvements.
3. Energy efficiency policies offer multiple benefits, including job creation, health improvements, and economic advantages, beyond just energy security and climate change mitigation.

Conclusion

The IEA 25 energy efficiency policy recommendations represent a comprehensive set of measures aimed at enhancing energy efficiency globally. The 2011 evaluation shows that these recommendations are being implemented with varying degrees of success across IEA member countries. The report underscores the importance of energy efficiency in achieving sustainable energy goals and the need for continued policy development and implementation to capture the full potential of energy savings.