Seminar Details

This seminar was jointly organised by Civil Service College (CSC) and Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR).

Date: 19 September 2008
Time: 3.30 – 5.30pm
Venue: Tamarind Room, Level 5, Civil Service College, 31 North Buona Vista Road

Synopsis

Energy demand growth is accelerating. Not only does this make efforts to combat climate change more difficult, it also imposes significant costs on businesses and consumers at a time when energy prices are at historic highs. One of the major energy policy challenges for us is to find cost-effective ways to abate energy demand growth without undermining economic growth or competitiveness.

Many studies show that over 30% of present electricity use can be saved economically. But why aren't consumers making these investments? Many barriers discourage investments in energy efficiency. As a result of market failures (e.g. split incentives, coordination failures) and other barriers (e.g. the lack of financing and capability among major energy users), there is significant underinvestment in energy efficiency. Actions by governments and other groups can address these market failures and reduce the barriers to greater energy efficiency. Higher energy prices also create space for new, profitable business opportunities. Indeed, a McKinsey study this year estimated large energy savings potential across various sectors, and calculated that investments in energy efficiency could yield a rate of return of up to 17%.

In this lecture, energy expert Dr Alan Meier will provide insights on how governments can make sensible investments in energy efficiency and capture opportunities to increase energy productivity. These opportunities use existing technologies that pay for themselves, thus freeing up capital for investment elsewhere. Drawing on his rich experience in research and policy, Dr Meier will make the case for why we should see greater energy efficiency as a source of energy in its own right.

About the speaker

ALAN MEIER is a senior scientist in the Energy Analysis Department at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He is also a faculty researcher and associate director of curriculum at the Energy Efficiency Center of the University of California, Davis. Additionally, Dr. Meier is editor of the journal Energy and Buildings and executive editor (and founder) of Home Energy. Prior to that he served as a senior energy analyst at the International Energy Agency in Paris. Dr. Meier has published several books and articles in the field of sustainable and renewable energy and holds a Ph.D. in energy and resources and a B.A. in chemistry and economics from the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of two books, Supplying Energy through Greater Efficiency and Saving Electricity in a Hurry.

Dr Meier’s research has focussed on understanding how people (and machines) use energy and the opportunities to conserve. His research on standby power use in appliances — 1% of global CO2 emissions — led him to propose an international plan to reduce standby in all devices to less than 1 watt. This has now been endorsed by the G8 countries. His other research topics include energy use of consumer electronics, energy test procedures, and international policies to promote energy.

Dr Meier’s research has focussed on understanding how people (and machines) use energy and the opportunities to conserve. His research on standby power use in appliances — 1% of global CO2 emissions — led him to propose an international plan to reduce standby in all devices to less than 1 watt. This has now been endorsed by the G8 countries. His other research topics include energy use of consumer electronics, energy test procedures, and international policies to promote energy.

The presentation slides from the seminar can be downloaded here:

The detailed notes of the seminar can be downloaded here: