Energy efficiency actions accelerated globally in 2022, as governments and consumers increasingly turned to efficiency measures as part of their responses to fuel supply disruptions and record energy prices, indicating a potential turning point after several years of slow progress.
There are encouraging signs of progress. The electrification of transport and heating is accelerating, with one in eight cars sold globally now electric, and nearly 3 million heat pumps have been sold in Europe alone. In emerging and developing economies, existing building codes are being strengthened and new ones introduced, while a growing wave of energy-saving awareness campaigns is helping millions of citizens to better manage their energy consumption.
The year 2022 has seen numerous policy announcements and significant expenditures that portend continued investment and progress in efficiency for years to come.
Sources: iea.org