The design and structure of effective energy end-use policies and programs towards industrial SMEs

Panel: 1. Programmes to promote industrial energy efficiency

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Patrik Thollander, Linköping University, Sweden
Rogelio Zubizarreta Jiménez, IAC, Spain
Inés Morales, IAC, Spain
Osamu Kimura, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan
Erwin Cornelis, VITO NV, Belgium
Magnus Karlsson, Linkoping University, Sweden
Sandra Backlund, Linkoping University, Sweden
Mats Söderström, Linkoping University, Sweden

Abstract

The issue of climate change due to, in particular anthropogenic emissions of CO2 is driving decision-makers to make decisions towards more efficient use of energy. Improved industrial energy efficiency is stated to have a key role in the transition into more carbon-neutral energy systems. In most countries, industrial SMEs represent more than 95 % of the number of companies. Thus, the sector is apart from using energy, a major driver in the Economy in regard to innovations, and GDP growth, investments and export etc. The aim of this paper is to present results of an international study within International Energy Agency Industrial Energy Technologies and Systems) concerning the design and structure of effective energy end-use policies towards industrial SMEs in the countries Belgium, Japan, Spain and Sweden. The major method used was workshops, and literature studies, mainly country-specific reports and documents, mostly written in that countries native language.

Results from this paper states that for medium-sized and energy-intensive industrial SMEs it is emphasized that Energy Conservation Law/Long-Term Agreements (LTA)/Voluntary Agreement (VA) are strong energy end-use policies followed by energy audit programs, preferably but not necessarily located regionally or locally. Energy networks, preferably locally or regionally anchored, are also policies suggested to be considered for medium-sized and energy-intensive industrial SMEs followed by investment subsidies mainly for investments in production-related technologies, benchmarking, and finally sector guidelines.

For small-sized and non-energy-intensive industrial SMEs it is emphasized that energy audit program, preferably locally or regionally anchored, followed by energy networks, preferably locally or regionally anchored, are strong energy end-use policies followed investment subsidies, benchmarking, and finally sector guidelines.