There is huge potential in almost every sphere of life for much greater efficiency in the use of energy.
From heavy industry to transport, buildings and consumer electronics, cost effective modifications and redesign can typically cut energy use by 30-80%.
Energy conservation and efficiency measures are, in the long run, the most cost-effective options to reduce emissions and decrease dependency on expensive and volatile oil and gas imports, which are limited anyway.
The trick is to leverage funding for the relatively high capital costs of the most efficient equipment.
In addition to the energy-related technologies, there is a great need to develop and mainstream new materials such as lightweight carbon fibres, which are much less carbon- and energy-intensive and have a long life-time.
Energy conservation and efficiency measures are, in the long run, the most cost-effective options to reduce emissions and decrease dependency on expensive and volatile oil and gas imports, which are limited anyway.
The trick is to leverage funding for the relatively high capital costs of the most efficient equipment.
In addition to the energy-related technologies, there is a great need to develop and mainstream new materials such as lightweight carbon fibres, which are much less carbon- and energy-intensive and have a long life-time.
