Energy efficiency appliance standards: Where do we stand, how far can we go and how do we get there? An analysis across several economies

Panel: 6. Appliances, product policy and ICT

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Virginie Letschert, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory -Environmental Energy Technologies Division, USA
Michael McNeil, LBNL
Puneeth Kalavase, LBNL
Stephane de la Rue du Can, LBNL
Allison Hua Fan, CLASP
Gabrielle Dreyfus, U.S. Department of Energy, USA

Abstract

This paper provides the global picture of Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) programs potential savings in the Super Efficient Appliance Deployment (SEAD) member countries, which represent over 60% of primary energy consumption in the world. We compare projected energy savings from three energy efficiency scenarios: (1) recent achievements, (2) cost-effective saving potential, and (3) energy efficiency technical potential.

The recent achievement scenario (1) evaluates the future impact of MEPS enacted or under development between 2010 and 2012. The cost-effective potential (2) identifies the maximum potential for energy efficiency while benefiting the consumer. The best available technology scenario (3) represents the full potential of energy efficiency considering best available technologies as candidates for MEPS. We use the Bottom Up Energy Analysis System (BUENAS), developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in collaboration with the Collaborative Labeling Appliances and Standards Program (CLASP), to provide a consistent framework to compare the different scenarios. This paper focuses on the main end uses in the residential sector. The comparison of the three scenarios for each country will reflect the ambition of current policies and provide possible pathways for scaling up current policies or implementing additional policies. This comparison across countries will reveal the best practices as well as end uses on which countries should focus their efforts. The paper will describe areas where methodologies and additional policies can increase penetration of energy efficient technologies. First, we will cover the methodologies that are available to capture the full cost-effective potential of MEPS such as techno-economic analysis (Scenario 1 to 2). Then, we will consider the possible complementary policy options such as financial incentives to reach the full technical potential of energy efficiency in the residential sector (Scenario 2 to 3).