Improving Energy Efficiency by Five Percent and More per Year

摘要: Reduction of specific energy consumption by 1% to 2% per year is typically what considered feasible for end-use applications. This article tries answer the question whether much higher rates, example 5% and more, are fornew equipment, installations, buildings. After examining some functions in industry, buildings, transport sector, it concluded that foreseeable future—that is, not more than 10 20 years into future—such high rates reduction indeed possible. For longer term, no definitive proof available, but there also indications such could be maintained. The effect on total use depends growth energy-using activities replacement capital stock. Taking these account, estimated industrialized countries a absolute 50% 50 compared with current levels possible. Such requires huge effort innovation; however, possibilities stimulating innovation seem exhausted yet.