Energy efficiency, developing nations, and Eastern Europe : a report to the US working group on global energy efficiency

Yet energy is expensive, consumes enormous sums of capital, and is one of the major causes of damage to health and the environment. These problematic features of energy are especially troubling for the debt-strapped nations of the developing world and Eastern Europe. This report evaluates the potential for lessening the energy problems of these regions through more efficient energy technology. The report first provides an historical overview of energy growth in developing countries and Eastern Europe and describes in some detail the problems of inefficient energy production and use in these regions. Two scenarios of energy demand in the year 2025 are then presented. The first envisions a technological evolution in which energy efficiency improves significantly as economies develop, energy-using capital stock changes, and some conservation measures are undertaken in all sectors. The second scenario assumes that substantial further efforts are undertaken -- with large-scale assistance -- to improve the efficiency of energy use and supply; this scenario does not, however, envision significant changes in behavior or industrial development that could also lower energy use. The impacts of these scenarios are presented for different geographical regions and for five economic sectors: industry, agriculture, transportation, residential, and services. Some successful experiences in improving energy efficiency in Brazil, China, Pakistan, Hungary, Tunisia, and the Philippines are then described. The final section provides recommendations for future action.