How important is energy efficiency to sustainable development?
Historically the industry has not been very successful in marketing energy efficiency. It has been easier to market renewable energy; people can relate to a wind turbine in a way that they can’t relate to efficiency. But the reality is that investment in energy efficiency can have a much shorter payback time and be more predictable than investment in renewables.
What impact has the global slowdown had on demand for energy efficiency?
Although it has not been positive, the slowdown has increased people’s focus on energy efficiency, because they can achieve relatively safe and secure financial savings.
“Urbanization will require innovative, energy-efficient infrastructure,”
Niels B. Christiansen, CEO, Danfoss
What interest are you seeing in district heating, and why?
We are working with the city of Anshan in northern China to use surplus heat from a steel plant for district heating. This will reduce the need for coal fires, which are highly polluting. The air will be cleaner as a result, and the city won’t need to buy so much coal
