Quick energy efficiency news for this week…
The U.S., Europe and China could save more than $40 billion by applying energy efficient technologies to wastewater treatment. Today, wastewater treatment results in more than 86 million metric tons of electricity-related emissions – equal to 9.7 billion gallons of gasoline consumed. But, applying high efficiency wastewater technology – technology that already exists – would cut these emissions in half. Leading global water tech company Xylem released a report studying wastewater management in the U.S., Europe and China, finding the greatest opportunity for return on investment in China. One-hundred percent of the emissions abatement opportunities analyzed could be realized at zero or negative cost. With its government actively investing in water infrastructure, more than $25 billion in net savings can be generated with the adoption of high efficiency wastewater technologies.
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Realtors and appraisers take note: homes that incorporate energy efficient “green” features – think solar PV arrays or LEED certification – sell 3.46 percent higher than those without them, at least in D.C. A study from the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and District of Columbia’s Department of Energy & Environment underscores that energy efficient features not only lower your monthly energy bills, but also mean greater value when you’re ready to put your humble green abode on the market. Although the market listing service (MLS) could be better at tracking homes with energy efficient features, buyers seem to get it – they are willing to pay a higher price for a high-performance home. See the full report at imt.org.
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With changing policies and economic conditions comes greater global potential for energy service companies (ESCOs) abroad – potential to the tune of $14.7 billion in annual revenue by 2024. Navigant Research assessed the ESCO market for energy performance contracts (EPCs), like retrofits for lighting, heating and ventilation, commercial building automation systems (CBASs), and building energy management systems (BEMSs), finding significant opportunity beyond the well-established, public U.S. markets. Increasing interest from Europe (Germany, France and the U.K.) is expected to spur significant growth in revenue, including growth into private markets.
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Speaking of global markets… Connecticut company Doosan Fuel Cell is partnering with Samsung C&T Corp., based in Seoul, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) on a massive clean energy project. Doosan will manufacture and ship 70 fuel cells to produce 30.8 MW of clean energy and heat – enough to power 71,500 South Korean homes. Fuel cells are a strong clean energy alternative for large cities, packing a lot of punch through an electrochemical reaction that produces almost no harmful emissions – and requiring less land than other renewable options like wind and solar. Said Doosan President and CEO Jeff Chung, “…The power plants will be installed on a multi-story structure that will occupy less than one acre in Busan – compared to solar panels requiring over 231 acres to generate the same amount of power.”
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