In its 2022 World Energy Transitions Outlook, IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), puts energy efficiency and renewable energy equally important, at 25 per cent of the global energy decarbonisation path, with electrification (much of which is energy efficient technologies) at 20 percent.
The International Energy Agency (energy efficiency is the “first fuel”) and European Union (“energy efficiency first”) also see major roles for energy efficiency.
Yet major Australian “clean energy” industry advocates such as the Clean Energy Council and Smart Energy Council rarely mention energy efficiency. Nor do our politicians. Many community groups just call for a “renewable energy future”.
Is this due to ignorance, or the desire to present a short, sharp media message? Does the renewable energy industry see energy efficiency as a threat to its growth?
Do they all…
Is Australia’s “clean energy” focus adding to its economic and climate problems?
