Energy Efficiency Network as an innovative model for energy saving and emission reduction for industrial parks in China

On November 30, 2022, GIZ and China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) co-hosted the Dissemination Workshop on “Sino-German Cooperation on Energy Efficiency Network” (EEN). The event summarized the results and experiences in the Sino-German Energy Efficiency and Climate Network in Taicang to showcase that EEN can be an innovative energy service instrument for energy saving in China. It also aimed at promoting the exchange on EEN and carbon emission reduction among governments, enterprises, and industries in China’s energy sector.

“Energy Efficiency Network” (EEN) as a proven instrument of German energy efficiency policy is making an important contribution towards improving energy efficiency in industry, trade, and commerce. ENNs connect energy service companies (ESCOs), local municipalities and energy consumers such as producing companies and real estate firms. In Germany, more than 300 energy efficiency networks with over 2700 companies have been newly founded since the start of “Energy Efficiency Initiative” in 2014. Until 2020, energy efficiency networks have collectively reduced CO2 emissions by almost 5 million tons. The monitoring shows that energy efficiency networks save on average 11,700 tons CO2 per year and exceed their self-imposed targets by 111%.

As agreed by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) during the 6th Sino-German Working Group meeting on energy efficiency, China and Germany will enhance their cooperation on promoting energy efficiency network in China by introducing German best practices. In December 2020, the Meeting of the Sino-German Working Group on Energy Efficiency approved the Energy Efficiency and Low-carbon Network in Taicang High-Tech Zone as a Sino-German pilot EEN project.

Both BMWK and NDRC showed huge support on the event. Mr. Qin Kun, division director of Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving from NDRC, and Ms. Andrea Juenemann Minister Counsellor of the German Embassy in Beijing, delivered speeches on behalf of the Chinese and German governments. They both applauded the achievement of the Sino-German cooperation on energy efficiency network and look forward to deepening the exchanges and cooperation in the coming years.

In the following keynote session, Mr. Duan Yueqiang, deputy director of Business Promotion Bureau from Taicang High-Tech Industrial Zone, and Mr. Ma Ming from Arqum, German consulting company which provided technical support on the Taicang EEN, shared the implementation results of the Sino-German Energy Efficiency and Climate Network Pilot in Taicang. Since the kick-off in June 2021, the companies participating in the Taicang EEN pilot carried out energy audit, analyzed their energy data and energy saving and emission reduction potential, set savings targets, and received a number of energy saving and emission reduction measures under the technical support. The proposed measures varies from the installation of PV facilities, the introduction of energy management and monitoring systems, waste heat recovery and utilisation, installation of air compression systems, etc.. Due to estimation, if all proposed energy saving measures are implemented, the entire Taicang energy efficiency network will save a total of 18,072 MWh of energy consumption and 36,048 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emission per year. More results could be find here.

During the event,  EEN expert from German Energy Agency (dena) shared policy recommendation for dissemination of EEN in China based on German experiences and reviewing the EEN development in China over the last decades. The experts all see great potential in the EEN development in China, meanwhile challenges remain, and efforts should be tasked to increase the official recognition, develop a China-specific EEN-model, setting up a central entity as platform for exchanges, promote incentives for EEN-participation and facilitates communications and international cooperation. Read the full report for more information.

The Expert Panel Discussion moderated by Mr. Lun Liyong from China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC), addressed the potential of EEN as an innovative energy-saving tool for Industrial parks to reach the carbon neutrality goal. Experts from government agencies, industry associations, management committees of industry parks, participating enterprises exchanged and discussed in depth the role and significance of disseminating EEN for industry branches, industrial parks and large enterprises to achieve energy and climate goals. In the meantime, they tapped into many common problems, such as the lack of official government guidance, the general awareness limitations of decision makers, the lack of a unified coordination platform, the organization of specific activities of EEN, and so on.

For the next step, the Sino-German Energy Partnership will cooperate with CIECC and develop a working plan for the next dissemination phase incorporating the interest and needs from the energy-intensive industries, large enterprises as well as further interesting industrial parks. Beside dissemination and duplication of the Taicang best practices, both sides are also looking into enhancing the capacity building for a more self-sustained and localized EEN scheme in China.

If you are interested in joining the future activities on Energy Efficiency Network, or for more information, please contact Yin Yuxia at yuxia.yin(at)giz.de.