Efficiency of an energy audit programme for SMEs in Germany – results of an evaluation study

Panel: 3. Energy use in industry: The road from policy to action

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Edelgard Gruber, IREES, Institute for Resource Efficiency and Energy Strategies, Germany
Tobias Fleiter, Fraunhofer ISI, Germany
Michael Mai, IREES, Germany
Birgit-Jo Frahm, IREES, Germany

Abstract

A programme offering subsidies for energy audits was launched by the German Ministry of Economy in 2008. It is managed by the KfW, the German Promotional Bank. Subsidies for energy audits in SMEs by qualified and independent consultants help to overcome know-how deficits and other obstacles for the use of energy efficiency potentials in many SMEs.

The evaluation done in 2010 shows the effects of the scheme and gives recommendations for optimisation. The study focused on empirical research: online surveys of audited companies , consultants, and “regional partners” who process the applications, e.g. industrial chambers or energy agencies. In addition, final audit reports were analysed. Main aspects of the study were quality of audits, implementation of proposed measures, remaining obstacles, and effects of the programme in terms of energy savings, reduction of CO2 emissions, and investments.

The study revealed a high acceptance and a very good image of the programme. SMEs of all sizes and sectors use it and implement the recommendations of the consultants to a high degree. The consultants found in all companies considerable energy efficiency potentials. On the average, each company implemented about three measures as a direct result of the energy audit. The funds resulted in 1.4 TWh energy savings per year, 470,000 tons CO2 reduction, investments of 480 million €, and energy cost savings of 80 million €. Programme costs amount to 0,5-0,7 Euro/MWh energy saved.

Success factors of the audit scheme are the low-threshold access caused by the high funding rate, the activities and personal contacts of the regional partners with SMEs, and the largely found high quality of the audits. Search for competent consultants, especially with know-how of branch-specific process technologies, could be facilitated by an optimisation of the KfW consultants’ list in the internet. Further improvements of the audits could be achieved by more detailed specifications for the audit reports.