Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency pays off: the cleanest and cheapest energy is energy that we don’t use in the first place. In order to make our energy transition a success, we need to become even more efficient in the way we use power and heat.

Both China and Germany aim to increase overall energy efficiency as part of their ambitious decarbonisation targets.

Germany aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, China carbon neutrality by 2060. Both countries have therefore set binding targets to reduce energy intensity. The example of Germany shows that decoupling economic growth and energy consumption is possible. By 2020, Germany’s primary energy consumption decreased by 18.1% compared to 2008. The German government set the targets to reduce final energy consumption by 26.5% before 2030 and halve the primary energy consumption by 2050 (vs. 2008).

China has sustained an average annual economic growth of 6.6% accompanied by an average annual growth of 3% in energy consumption since 2012. As of 2022, the intensity of total energy consumption has decreased by 26.4% over the past decade, resulting in a reduction of 1.4 billion tonnes of standard coal and 3 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions (vs. business as usual). China’s 14th Five-Year-Plan (2021-2025) sets the target consumption per unit of GDP by 2025 (vs. 2020).

Exchanging on Energy Efficiency Policy and Standards

What We Do
Energy efficiency policy is more than just a pillar in climate neutrality but the essential ingredient to enable other policies and instruments such as renewables energy, the hydrogen, etc. Implementing supply-side energy transition solutions lead environmental and socio-economic impacts such as resource use, potential (new) import dependencies, distributional effects among consumer groups and possible acceptance issues. That is why EU and Germany consider Energy Efficiency First as a guiding principle of energy policy which should be taken into account across all sectors. The Energy Partnership facilitates exchanges on current energy efficiency policy in Germany and China, e.g. on the German Energy Efficiency Law and the revision of the Chinese Energy Conservation Law.

At the same time, the collaboration and harmonisation of standards in energy efficiency between China and Germany are crucial. By aligning their standards through bilateral exchanges, both nations can foster mutual understanding, enhance market transparency, and promote the widespread adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices. The Energy Partnership thus conduct in-depth exchanges and discussions on:

Product energy efficiency

Energy efficiency standards for sustainable heating solutions

Benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon emissions.

Energy efficiency standards for EV charging stations in China and Germany

Carbon footprint standards in China and the EU Ecodesign Directive

Energy efficiency networks

The Sino-German Energy Partnership reviewed Germany’s and Europe's standard development and practices, supported thematic specific industrial standard development by engaging business sectors, and compiled policy recommendations for China.

Sino-German Demonstration Projects on Energy Efficiecny

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The resolute vision and commitment to a climateneutral path shines through in China's 33rd National Energy Conservation Week motto:'Energy saving and emission reduction needs you and me.' With collective force, we can turn this idea into practical action.

Mr. Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary of BMWK shares testimonial for China’s 33rd National Energy Conservation Week.

Energy Efficiency

Exchanging on Energy Efficiency Policy and Standards

What We Do

Sino-German Demonstration Projects on Energy Efficiecny

Energy Efficiency in Industry

Energy Efficiency in Cities/Industrial Parks

Energy Efficiency and Low Carbon New Network (EEN)

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