Enhancing energy efficiency is a highly potent and cost-effective option for both energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction. Energy efficiency policies often employ strategies aimed at reducing consumption or loads, particularly in sectors such as buildings, industry, and transportation. Additionally, electrification is another significant strategy for the future. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a combination of renewable energy use, increased energy efficiency, and electrification across various sectors can reduce CO2 emissions related to energy by over 90% by 2050.

In the era of digital technology and digital transformation, digital equipment and data have immense potential to improve energy efficiency significantly. This includes enhancing operational processes across various industries, especially as the global economy moves towards Industry 4.0 to maximize the potential of these energy efficiency capabilities. This necessitates compliance with innovative policies, practices, standards, regulations, as well as the development and utilization of technology solutions that are innovative and suitable for the country’s context.

All of these efforts require a knowledgeable and skilled workforce capable of keeping up with the latest technologies and best practices. For example, having energy managers responsible for energy in each factory and building, as mandated by law, should receive additional training in digital technology and managing the transition to low-carbon systems.