From energy efficiency to climate neutrality networks

Workshop on best practices and concepts for demand flexibility and climate neutrality in industrial companies

On 24 February 2022, GIZ, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, the Institute for Resource Efficiency and Energy Strategies (IREES), Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, State Grid Energy Research Institute and the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully organized the online conference "From energy efficiency to climate neutrality networks: Implemented best practices and concepts for demand flexibility and climate neutrality in industrial companies" under the framework of the Sino-German Energy Partnership and Fraunhofer ISI’s OPTRES 100 project.

Climate neutrality and energy efficiency networks encourage participants in reaching climate goals

In Germany, energy efficiency networks have proven successful for increasing energy efficiency in companies and public institutions alike. Since the end of 2014, the German Federal Government has supported companies to set up energy efficiency networks through the "German Energy Efficiency Network Initiative". Most recently, the network initiative has started emphasizing concrete climate action to encourage participants in reaching their climate neutrality goals. Since the start of the initiative, climate neutrality and energy efficiency networks have become one of the most successful measures under the German National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NAPE).

Companies share experiences with network initiative in Taicang, China

At the online conference, more than 100 participants discussed best practices and solutions for achieving climate neutrality and increasing energy efficiency in companies, the role and importance of energy efficiency networks and potentials and business models for demand-side management in China and Germany.

Companies participating in the Sino-German Demonstration Project on Energy Efficiency and Climate Networks in Taicang, a pilot project supported by GIZ in the framework of the Sino-German Energy Partnership, presented their perspectives and experiences on pursuing energy efficiency and climate action via energy efficiency networks. Energy experts from academia, think tanks and private sector participated in the event.


Downloads of workshop presentations


Further reads


For more information on the topic, please contact Ms. Yin Yuxia (yuxia.yin(at)giz.de)