Monitoring of the Initiative Energy Efficiency Networks

Apart from wide deployment of renewable energies, energy efficiency has been proclaimed the second pillar of the German energy transition (Energiewende). The overarching goal is improvement of energy efficiency by 20% by 2020, and by 50% by 2050, compared to 2008 baseline. In order to achieve this goal, the German government elaborated in 2014 the National Plan for Energy Efficiency  (NAPE). The Energy Efficiency Initiative (Initiative Energieeffizienz, IEEN), aiming to contribute primary energy savings of 74,5 petajoule and emissions reductions of 5 megatons CO2-equivalent, represents one of the central measures of the NAPE. The initiative is intended to provide private companies with a platform on which they can exchange experience with implementation of energy efficiency measures, and make use of their energy efficiency potential in an economical manner.

The initiative was started as voluntary instrument, under which private companies taking part in it would implement economically feasible energy efficiency measures. Its effectiveness had already been proven through prior pilot programs. Therefore, the German government reached an agreement with 21 business associations in December 2014 under which 500 energy efficiency networks will be formed by 2020. This was accompanied by a monitoring in order to keep track of the progress, namely implementation of energy efficiency measures, energy savings achieved and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Random sampling was carried out to verify the accuracy of reporting. The data was systematically collected and stored. Subsequently, the data was analysed and published in yearly reports. Compliance with the minimum criteria concerning network structure and function were verified.

The monitoring was carried out by adelphi Consult Berlin and Fraunhofer ISI with coordination with the IEEN and the industry associations. adelphi was responsible for collecting the information on implemented measures, sampling, and elaboration of reports.

Apart from the monitoring of the support programme for waste heat utilisation, evaluation of the energy audit obligation scheme and The National Top-Runner Initiative, this project represents another instance of adelphi taking part in NAPE activities.