Description

Energy efficiency is often defined as delivered energy service per unit of energy supplied into a system.  Among the range of technology options that exist to provide energy service, energy efficiency approaches are the most cost competitive. As a resource by which to meet national or regional goals for development and economic growth, demand-side energy efficiency is growing in importance for many developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

This report examines prospects for ADB to ramp up efforts in the region for greater utilization of demand-side energy efficiency, the most cost-effective source of energy supply. The report further identifies global and regional trends that are driving Asia’s energy demand and the resulting policy and regulatory environment for energy efficiency.

Scaling Up ADB’s Energy Efficiency Investments
In examining ways to expand its energy efficiency portfolio, ADB may draw upon a mix of tools and mechanisms employed at different scales around the world. Many of these approaches, listed below, are characterized by ambitious targets or mandates with goals for participation across sectors and stakeholders:

energy efficiency policy and regulation;
energy efficiency standards and building codes;
utility market activities;
innovative financing mechanisms;
development of national and/or local institutional capacity;
energy efficiency information systems; and
awareness of energy efficiency means and benefits.
Contents

• Executive Summary
• Introduction: The Energy Efficiency Imperative
• Causes of Underinvestment and Persistent Energy Inefficiency
• Lessons Learned from Energy Efficiency Investment Experience
• Energy Efficiency State of Play in the PRC, India, and Southeast Asia
• ADB’s Energy Efficiency Activities and Investments
• Realizing Energy Efficiency Potential in Asia and the Pacific
• Conclusion
• Appendixes