The Global Council on Energy Efficiency unveiled a white paper on Energy Efficiency on the sidelines of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
The comprehensive white paper, which was produced in partnership between Schneider Electric and EDF, and under the auspices of the Global Council on SDGs, addresses critical aspects across energy efficiency in the world.
The report was launched during a high-level roundtable at the Technology and Innovation Hub at the Schneider Electric showcase for COP28, and attended by Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF Group, and Chair of Global Council on Energy Efficiency; Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Vice Chair of Global Council on Energy Efficiency, members of the General Secretariat of the Global Council on SDGs, as well as other members of the Global Council on energy efficiency and attendees from the media.
Emphasising the implementation of innovative solut
ions to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors, including buildings, industry, and mobility, the paper also highlights that two-thirds of extracted energy is lost at different stages of the energy cycle; these losses result from the conversion of fossil fuels to heat, electricity, and motion, highlighting an urgent need for transformative measures.
Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Vice-Chair of the Global Councils on SDGs, said that by showcasing the experiences of governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide in energy efficiency, the white paper succeeded in highlighting the collaborative effort needed to address global energy efficiency challenges.
‘In an era where our collective commitment to sustainability and the pursuit of the SDGs has never been more critical, this white paper serves as an invaluable compass, guiding us towards a more sustainable future,’ added Abdulla Nasser Lootah.
Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA, and Vice Chair of Global Council on Energy E
fficiency, said, ‘Alongside renewable energy capacity building, energy efficiency is a critical driver of climate action and sustainable development. IRENA’s latest research shows that by enhancing energy efficiency alone, we can decarbonise the current energy system by up to 25 percent. The Global Council on Energy Efficiency’s white paper provides the insights and impetus to contribute to the Global Renewable and Energy Efficiency Pledge, announced at COP28 in the UAE, with smart, innovative and practical solutions.’
Luc Rémont, Chair of Global Council on Energy Efficiency and Chairman and CEO of EDF Group, said: ‘As members of the Global Councils on SDGs, it brings us great pride to be able to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and action at COP28 for the advancement of knowledge and strategies in the realm of energy efficiency. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment towards sustainable development and the global transition to cleaner energy sources.’
Manish Pant, Executive Vice President, I
nternational Operations, Schneider Electric, said, ‘The white paper reveals that achieving energy efficiency is truly a collective responsibility between policymakers, businesses and citizens. With today’s digital technologies, everything is visible in real-time and energy consumption can be monitored from anywhere and on any device, therefore making it easier to make more intelligent decisions on how energy efficient we can be.’
The white paper also highlights the importance of integrating existing financing solutions that have the potential to reduce upfront costs and improve visibility on energy and financial returns. Two powerful catalysts can help with this integration: digitalisation, in order to streamline processes and aggregate assets; and partnerships, to mobilise the best skill sets at all steps of these complex multi-asset investment programmes.
The white paper urges leaders, policymakers, industries, and communities to take concrete action in this regard, in alignment with the UN Sustainable De
velopment Goals.
Source: Emirates News Agency