Energy efficiency initiatives in emerging markets and developing countries

Abstract

In missions to India, Pakistan, China, and South Africa, energy efficiency and sustainable energy development have been important focus areas. The missions have provided opportunities to discuss energy efficiency, sustainable energy development and economic progress, and to identify areas where there are opportunities for cooperative ventures in energy efficiency technologies and practices that will lead to both economic and environmental benefits. The format for the development of opportunities in the above countries has been for the Department of Energy (DOE) to work with a broad cross section of industrial companies, energy efficiency organizations and other interested parties to develop country specific teams with designated team leaders for each area identified during the mission. The US teams then draft action plans which serve as a basis for discussion with their international counterparts leading to mutually acceptable implementation plans. US country specific coordinating committees comprising DOE personnel and team leaders plan to hold meetings with their international counterparts to review progress and overcome any issues or barriers encountered. The paper describes the progress made to date with specific examples from the US-China and US-India teams. Also described is the energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative undertaken with Ghana by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.