Energy efficiency: Achieving climate action goals, energy security and an improved life

Date: 17 November 2023

Time: 9h00 – 10h00 MYT 

Location: Tanjung Puteri 302 Room, Persada Johor International Convention Center, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Organizers: UNEP, UN ESCAP, Cool Coalition, United for Efficiency (U4E)

This is an official Track 1 Event of the Asia and the Pacific Climate Week. Live streaming link forthcoming. 

Description: 

There has been rapid progress on energy access across developing Asia and Pacific with an overall electrification rate of 98,6% as of 2021. Yet, about 940 million people experience frequent power interruptions, about 350 million lack access to adequate electricity, and another 133 million have no electricity. 

Over the coming  years, more than 70% of the growth in global electricity demand will come from the People’s Republic of China, India, and Southeast Asia, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). By 2025, for the first time, Asia will account for half of the world’s electricity consumption.

Record-breaking heat across the region will increase demand for electricity.  With temperatures rising well above 40 degrees Celsius in many countries, demand for electricity is surging as people turn to air-conditioning to stave off the crippling heat. The sweltering situation is stressing power grids making power shortages more likely, and increasing demand for fossil fueled power generation which exacerbates climate change.

Therefore the challenge is how to meet that electricity demand sustainably while leaving no one behind. 

Energy efficiency measures to reduce power and energy consumption, such as increased efficiency of fans and air conditioners are critical and must also be combined with efforts to reduce the need for energy-use at all, such as passive cooling, cycling and public transport, and natural lighting in buildings. These efforts help lower consumer bills and protect the energy system.

This event will explore the  benefits and challenges of rapid efforts on  energy efficiency in Asia and the Pacific, how to unlock the  long-term rewards while ensuring access and reducing the cost burden on consumers. The role of different entities such as governments, industry,  consumers, financiers and regulators will be examined and critical topics, such as energy pricing, system integration, affordability and technology innovation will be covered.