US vs. Europe: Energy Efficiency in the Renewables Race

As both Europe and the US race toward a more renewables-focused future—adding gigawatts upon gigawatts of projects to the grid—energy efficiency is vital for mitigating grid stress. 

So who’s nailing efficiency efforts—Europe, where solar and wind are launching at a fast clip, or the US, where innovation reigns supreme? Let’s break down energy efficiency in both regions →

Let’s compare energy efficiency in both regions →

Over in Europe…

• Utility action on energy poverty and efficiency in Europe is still heavily reliant on government support. Utilities active in France, Ireland, and the UK such as EDF Renewable Energy and Electric Ireland have been identified as frontrunners in energy efficiency.
• Europe’s Energy Efficiency Directive has recently put energy poverty in the spotlight with the Social Climate Fund. The directive expands energy audit obligations for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
• Energy management systems are now mandatory for large industrial energy consumers.

Here in the US…

• Eversource Massachusetts, National Grid Massachusetts, Pacific Gas & Electric, Baltimore Gas & Electric, and Eversource Connecticut are leading utilities’ efforts toward efficiency, according to the American Council on Energy Efficiency.
• The utilities’ energy efficiency standards are more focused on consumers with rebates and appliances—driving EV adoption, smart management technology, and building updates. For example: National Grid offers rebates up to $10,000 for new (more efficient) heat pump systems.
• DOE finalized new standards in April for air conditioners, heat pumps, dishwashers, refrigerators, and distribution transformers to lower energy costs for families and businesses.

Bottom line: Europe’s utilities largely rely on government support for energy efficiency efforts, while utilities in the US fall in line with efficiency standards thanks to regulatory requirements.