Germany and China have made the principle “Efficiency First!” a leitmotif for the implementation of their energy transitions. Increasing energy efficiency in industry is one key component to its achievement. In Germany, Energy Efficiency Networks (EEN) have proven to be a successful instrument for reducing energy costs and CO₂ emissions in industry. EEN comprise up to a dozen companies with the goal of identifying energy conservation potentials, setting efficiency goals, and regularly exchanging on best practices and lessons learnt. In Germany, EEN have been very successful in enhancing energy efficiency in small and large companies alike.

Today, more than 2000 companies are or have been active in EEN in Germany. Likewise, Chinese companies have been very active in efficiency networks. Between 2010 and 2013, supported by Germany, Chinese companies initiated more than 500 energy efficiency networks across the country. However, lacking capacities and incentives have led to a decrease in Chinese networks’ activities. Within the Energy Partnership, German and Chinese experts have joined forces to one again foster the development of EEN in China. Both sides exchange on policy frameworks, standards and guidelines for developing and boosting energy efficiency networks in industry.