Efficiency Updates from China, Russia, and Canada

In the past couple of months there's been quite a bit of energy efficiency activity from some places we haven't highlighted lately: China, Russia, and Canada. Here's what's been going on with these three countries.

China

This month four new standards outlining “minimum allowable values” for existing efficiency grades went into effect. Similar to Europe's energy consumption label which ranks products from A to G, China grades products from 1 to 5, with 1 exhibiting the highest efficiency. The products affected are: flat panel televisions, variable speed room air conditioners, household electric washing machines, and range hoods.

Related to China's efficiency grades, in September a report was issued by Top10 China (a Chinese non-governmental organization) entitled: Market Analysis of China Energy Efficient Products. The report recommends changes to the efficiency and labeling programs for nine different products. With these changes, the report maintains that China could save over 1000 TWh of electricity by 2030. Categories include: refrigerators, fixed and variable speed air conditioners, flat panel TVs, washing machines, rice cookers, induction cookers, copiers, and monitors.

Specific recommendations include:

• Raising the threshold of standards so that only the top 10% meet Tier (Grade) 2 standards and only selected products meet Tier 1*
• Automatic revisions will take effect when 10% of products meet Tier 1 or 25% meet Tier 2
• Limit government efficiency promotion subsidies only to Tier 1

* Similar to Japan's Top Runner program, Tier 1 status would be determined on a case-by-case basis and set based on the efficiency level of the best performing products at the time.

To read Top10 China's summary and to download the entire report, visit the top10.cn website.

Russia

In September it was announced that a voluntary efficiency label was being planned. The effort, known as the Energy Efficiency Endorsement Label project, is being sponsored jointly by the Association of European Businesses (AEB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and is aimed at stimulating investment in energy efficient products.

In order for products to display the labels, they must first be registered in the certification system administered by the AEB. After products have been reviewed, they will be able to display the label. As an added incentive, the EBRD will offer financing to its partner banks who issue “green loans” to end users of labeled products.

Visit the AEB website to learn more and stay tuned to Mr. Green's blog as this program rolls out.

Canada

Finally, on the other side of the Pacific, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has announced a series of roundtables to strengthen energy innovation. Topics of particular interest to the efficiency community include: the smart grid, advanced lighting, and energy efficient buildings.

For more information on these roundtables, please visit the NRCan website.