EBRD, IEA join forces to promote energy efficiency

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have teamed up to promote energy efficiency by highlighting the crucial role of good governance. The IEA published the results of its global Energy Efficiency Governance study today in the form of a summary handbook and a detailed report. This study, backed by the EBRD Swiss Technical Assistance Cooperation Fund, aims to provide government officials and stakeholders with guidance on how to establish effective structures to promote energy efficiency. In particular, it highlights the importance of developing legal, institutional, funding and coordination mechanisms to support national and sub-national energy efficiency policy implementation. “This study is extremely valuable to supporting the implementation of good energy efficiency policies around the world,” said Nobuo Tanaka, IEA Executive Director. “It is a practical ‘instruction manual’ for policy makers and institutions to further accelerate energy efficiency actions in the EBRD countries of operation. It will provide a useful input to policy dialogue and project development,” said Josué Tanaka, the EBRD Corporate Director responsible for the Bank’s Energy Efficiency and Climate Change programme.

Energy efficiency projects are a key element within the EBRD’s overall Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI), which aims to reduce energy waste, but also increase energy security and a diversification of the sources of energy, including the use of renewables. The EBRD believes that by increasing energy efficiency, economies can become more competitive while at the same time helping mitigate the impact of climate change. Under the SEI, which was launched in 2006, the EBRD has already invested some 6 billion euros in over 300 energy efficiency projects. While energy efficiency awareness is increasing, the IEA study notes that improvements in this area can be difficult. “Successful energy efficiency policy outcomes are more likely if an effective system of EE governance is established,” the study says. The Energy Efficiency Governance study is based on a global review of many elements of energy efficiency governance. These elements include legal frameworks, institutions, funding tools, coordination mechanisms and accountability arrangements, such as evaluation and oversight. Information for the handbook was gathered from 175 energy efficiency professionals in 70 countries.

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