The International Energy Agency (IEA) has called on Australia to ramp up its energy efficiency efforts warning that not enough is being done.
In a report released yesterday in Canberra the IEA said Australia has an abundance of energy resources but despite this is facing a number of policy challenges.
“A consistent energy and climate framework up to 2030/50 is needed at the Commonwealth level to ensure continued and adequate investment in the energy sector,” the report said.
Australia's Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) CEO, Luke Menzel, welcomed the report which recommends the federal government ramp up its ambition on energy efficiency across all economic sectors including building, industry and transport.
Menzel said the report confirms that Australia is behind the eight ball when it comes to energy efficiency.
“The global experts have run the ruler over Australia’s policy settings and found that our current effort on energy efficiency is not up to snuff,” he said.
“Whether its buildings, industry or transport, the IEA has found there is much more we can do to slash energy costs and reduce carbon emissions through smart energy efficiency policies.”
The IEA made a list of recommendations including more work to drive energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings and a program that supports big industrial energy users to improve their level of efficiency.
Menzel said that in some ways, the IEA is pointing out the obvious. In global terms, Menzel said Australia is missing the boat when it comes to energy efficiency policy.
“That’s despite the fact that it’s the cheapest and quickest way of slashing energy bills and reducing carbon emissions,” he said.
“We have a good framework in the National Energy Productivity Plan.
“It’s time for the Turnbull Government to put some meat on the bones of that plan, and drive the kind of changes that will get us back in the game.”