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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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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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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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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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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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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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Energy Efficiency Policy Priorities: Ukraine
…Ukraine is facing unprecedented energy security challenges as a result of ongoing geopolitical and financial crises. Improving energy efficiency across the economy could strengthen energy security by decreasing the country’s reliance on fossil fuel imports, reduce pressure on public budgets that have historically shouldered billions of euros a year in energy subsidies (although some energy subsidies are now being phased out), reduce costs to consumers and improve the comfort and health of its residents. The good news is that there is a large potential for energy efficiency gains in Ukraine. Measures to tap Ukraine’s energy efficiency potential are…
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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…
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The Future of Cooling in China
…representing nearly 40% of global sales in 2017. Mini-split ACs are still common, as is “part time” and “part space” cooling behaviour in which households cool rooms only when they are occupied and for a few hours. Yet larger multi-split and central cooling systems are growing in numbers, due to architectural choices and changing consumer preferences. As a result, the average size of new units sold in 2017 was around 7 kilowatts of cooling capacity (kWc), compared with previous models that were between 3 kWc and 5 kWc. Those larger and centralised cooling systems can be significantly more energy intensive.Rated performanc...
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District Energy Systems in China
…it consumed more energy than the entire United Kingdom. While progress is being made, the total impact of energy use and emissions from district heating and even district cooling – on the Chinese economy, on local air quality and health, and on the overall well-being of China’s population – is nevertheless significant. China has great opportunities of lowering the environmental footprint of its district energy system. While the country has pursued assertive public policy decisions in recent years, it is essential to elevate cleaner, energy-efficient district energy as a priority for action so that policy development and implementation can…