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Country report
Apr 2026
Energy Efficiency in China’s Buildings Sector
…progress in achieving them. Regulation for new buildings in China, such as building codes, is relatively strong. However, as the rate of construction is slowing, policy priorities are shifting towards retrofitting existing buildings. Here, the IEA estimates that through strong policy action and best-in-class technology, China could reduce energy consumption by up to 65% in buildings constructed between 1995 and 2010, representing energy savings of over 8 000 Petajoules.The report includes examples from across China and the world on leading regulatory instruments, financial incentives, and information-based tools that can drive energy efficiency in the buildings sector.
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Report
Aug 2021
Evolving Energy Service Companies in China
Evolving Energy Service Companies in China Energy service companies (ESCOs) deliver energy efficiency projects that are financed through the resulting energy cost savings. ESCOs can thus unlock energy efficiency action by addressing barriers related to funding and technical expertise. Despite their potential, many governments still struggle to stimulate development of a market for ESCOs. Evolving Energy Service Companies in People’s Republic of China, (“China” hereafter) provides an overview of how China has built the world’s largest and fastest growing ESCO market over the past decades. This report highlights how the government’s strategic measures to set up key…
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Article
12 Feb 2021
E4 Country Profile: Energy Efficiency in China
…crucial to limiting the increase in energy use resulting from high rates of construction and higher rates of appliance ownership. Energy efficiency opportunities China has enormous energy efficiency improvement potential according to the IEA’s Efficient World Scenario (EWS). Ensuring that China seizes all efficiency opportunities in a cost-effective manner will be crucial for both China and the world’s transition to low-carbon energy.Energy consumption could reach a peak by 2030 and save 16 EJ - the equivalent of France and Germany’s energy use - by 2040 compared to current trends. These savings would come from the industrial…
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Fuel report
Jul 2019
The Role of Gas in Today's Energy Transitions
…In this analysis, we explore how widespread and durable this role might be in some of today's key energy markets. The Role of Gas in Today's Energy Transitions examines the role of fuel switching, primarily from coal to natural gas, to reduce CO2 emissions and air pollutants.Four case studies, covering the United States, the European Union, China, and India, reveal the various opportunities, hurdles and limits of fuel switching as a way to address environmental challenges. Key findings Emissions savings After three flat years, global energy-related CO2 emissions resumed growth in 2017 and 2018, representing a dangerous disconnect with global climate goals…
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Fuel report
Dec 2022
How much will renewable hydrogen production drive demand for new renewable energy capacity by 2027?
…and specific targets for renewable hydrogen production, such as Inner Mongolia, which aims to produce 500 000 tonnes/yr of renewable hydrogen – more than twice the national target. Other key drivers are access to affordable financing through state-owned enterprises and to industrial clusters for new project development. Many new electrolyser projects are large demonstration plants located in industrial hubs that can offer economy-of-scale savings, lower unit manufacturing costs and access to local off-takers.Demand for renewable hydrogen, which is a forecast uncertainty, will determine the pace of dedicated renewable capacity expansion. While many provinces include hydrogen in…
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Report
Jul 2006
Optimising Russian Natural Gas
…Climate Policy Optimising Russian Natural Gas The world’s largest gas producer and exporter, Russia has an enormous energy saving potential. At least 30 billion cubic meters – a fifth of Russian exports to European OECD countries -- could be saved every year by enhanced technology or energy efficiency. As the era of cheap gas in Russia comes to an end, this potential saving is increasingly important for Russians and importing countries. This book analyses and estimates the potential savings and the associated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that could be achieved in the oil extraction (flaring), gas transmission and distribution sectors…
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Fuel report
Mar 2022
A 10-Point Plan to Reduce the European Union’s Reliance on Russian Natural Gas
…of the solution, but even very rapid deployment will take time to make a major dent in demand for imported gas. The faster EU policy makers seek to move away from Russian gas supplies, the greater the potential implications in terms of economic costs and/or near-term emissions. Circumstances also vary widely across the EU, depending on geography and supply arrangements.Reducing reliance on Russian gas will not be simple, requiring a concerted and sustained policy effort across multiple sectors, alongside strong international dialogue on energy markets and security. There are multiple links between Europe’s policy choices and...
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Fuel report
Oct 2018
Energy Efficiency 2018
…current technology. This delayed action on energy efficiency ends up locking in inefficiencies that mean much stronger action needs to be taken in the future. 2.2 million barrels of oil per day If all countries had adopted the best passenger fuel economy standards. 16% of industry electricity use If all countries had adopted the strongest electric motor standards. $20 billion If everyone had purchased the top 10% most efficient refrigerators. The Efficient World Scenario So what will the world look like if between now and 2040 countries implemented all the economically viable energy efficiency potential that is available? The…
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Report
Jan 2011
Development of Energy Efficiency Indicators in Russia
Development of Energy Efficiency Indicators in Russia The key findings of the IEA work with the Russian Federation on developing energy efficiency indicators form the core of this report. Russia is sometimes referred to as “the Saudi Arabia of energy efficiency”; its vast potential to reduce energy consumption can be considered a significant energy reserve. Russia, recognising the benefits of more efficient use of energy, is taking measures to exploit this potential. The president has set the goal to reduce energy intensity by 40% between 2007 and 2020. In the past few years, the IEA has worked closely with Russian…
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Country report
Aug 2015
Partner Country Series - Energy Use in the Chinese Building Sector
Energy and environmental impacts associated with the building sector in the People's Republic of China are significant, representing nearly 16% of total global final energy consumption in buildings. China has experienced unprecedented economic growth and buildings construction since 2000. There is a unique opportunity to drive investments with technological and policy initiatives leading the way towards a more sustainable buildings sector that can offset expected energy consumption growth. While China’s energy consumption per capita is still low by global standards, the total impact of energy use and emissions in the buildings sector – on the Chinese economy, on local…