GEF Experiences in Closing the Global Energy Efficiency Gap

Abstract

The term "energy efficiency" has been widely used in global energy, economics, and environment, and it is well known that energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective approaches in saving energy and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, it is still not clear how many metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO 2 ) can be mitigated if one dollar is invested in worldwide energy efficiency. This study tries to clear this issue. Using data of 49 completed energy efficiency projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this study presents an analysis on investments of US$313 million in capacity building, asset acquisition, project development, and project implementation in 35 countries. Results show that every dollar invested by the GEF has mobilized 8.2 dollars in co-financing and can mitigate 1.89 MTCO 2 . In addition, GEF investments in capacity building, national policy, legal and regulatory frameworks have long term impact on GHG emission mitigations which is beyond quantification with current approaches. We conclude that public funds have greatly facilitated capacity building, catalyzed the transfer of environmentally sound technologies, and helped remove a large number of regulatory and market barriers to energy efficiency in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

Foreign actors, faster transitions? Co-evolution of complementarities, perspectives and sociotechnical systems in the case of Indonesia’s electricity supply system

“…Foreign actors such as bilateral donors and multilateral development banks can play a key role in addressing energy transition bottlenecks. They can facilitate the flow of knowledge, technological and financial resources, and organizational capabilities in energy efficiency [15], wind [16], and geothermal power projects [17]. They can also address policy, institutional, and regulatory barriers [18,19], and create industrial networks [16] on different theoretical grounds [20].…”

Relationship of Socio Economic Factors (SEF) and Energy Conservation Behavior in India: Empirical Study

“…Studies have confirmed both in quantitative and qualitative results (Yang et al, 2014). However, the market penetration of energy efficient technologies is generally hindered by barriers that are effected by prices, financing, international trade, structure of market institutions, information provision and socio-cultural and behavioral issues.…”

Clean Grid Vision: A U.S. Perspective - Chapter 4. Demand-Side Development

“…Training staff and institutions on how to conduct longterm energy planning that incorporates energy efficiency can add value, so many bilateral and multilateral assistance programs have been building capacity around the world for decades [23]. The full life cycle of energy efficiency options requires at least some individual and institutional capability, as exemplified in the stakeholder discussion below.…”

“…From the perspective of consumers and stakeholders, consumers may not understand the benefits of electro-technologies; some worry that building reliability might be compromised if all energy comes from one source (no gas line to serve as potential backup if the electricity goes out 23 ); some may experience range anxiety with electric vehicles. Contractors who lack familiarity with electro-technologies would be less likely to provide consultation, installation, and maintenance services on them.…”