Triangular cooperation between Mexico, Germany, Argentinia: Inter-governmental exchange of experience promotes greater energy efficiency
Project description
Titel: Triangular cooperation between Mexico, Germany, Argentinia: Strengthening the framework for promoting energy efficiency through a process of exchange of best practice between the governments of the United Mexican States and Argentina
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Argentina
Lead executing agencyr: Directorate-General for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Argentine Republic (Dirección General de Cooperación Internacional del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto de la República Argentina)
Overall term: 2017 to 2019
Context
Mexico and Argentina are in the midst of implementing an energy transition. In Mexico, this process stems from the energy sector reforms of 2013, and is supported by its 2015 Energy Transition Act. The relevant authorities have stipulated indicators, including the energy intensity of the Mexican economy, which, for the first time, has energy performance improvement targets. In Argentina, efforts to drive forward the energy transition process focused primarily on promoting renewable energy, although the country also has considerable experience in the industrial and housing sectors. Furthermore, a national bill on energy efficiency has been drafted, which sets out the guidelines for the government’s energy policy. The National Energy Efficiency Plan, which focuses on housing, the public sector, industry and transport, is part of this. The project slots into this framework and its approach is rooted in shared learning processes: the exchange of experience and insight between the two countries creates favourable conditions that accelerate the energy transition process already under way.
Objective
The governments of Mexico and Argentina continue to strengthen their technical capacities in conjunction with those institutions operating in the energy sector. Promoting energy efficiency is driving forward the energy transition currently taking place in both countries.
Approach
On the one hand, the project utilises learning networks on energy efficiency and energy management systems in Argentina's industrial sector. The aim of this is to improve methods and disseminate knowledge in both countries. In addition, the project is developing a concept to promote energy management in different industrial sectors.
It also strengthens the range of advisory services within the field of energy efficiency and energy management by offering training and certification for advisors. This involves providing a high-quality training programme on both topics, which is anchored within the two countries' local institutions. Simultaneously, the project implements the procedures for certification of advisors on energy efficiency and energy management systems and compiles a directory of advisors in the two countries. This directory comprises both the validation of experience and knowledge, as well as existing certification.
An exchange and transfer platform also supports the energy transition process already under way in both countries. It is based on a model agreed between both sides, which identifies common topics and facilitates the exchange of experience.
Result
In mid-2018, the first learning network on energy management systems for Argentine industry was launched with an official opening event and a kick-off workshop. Participants included Acindar Industria Argentina de Aceros BGH, Bimbo de Argentina, Celulosa Campana, Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales – ARSAT, Establecimiento Metalúrgico Sturam, Fibercord, Molinos Río de la Plata, Packall, Ricardo Almar e Hijos, Roca Argentina and Volkswagen Argentina.
The first workshop on the introduction of the learning network for energy management systems took place in late 2018. The companies presented their findings to date from energy performance surveys and analyses of existing gaps. The companies committed to reducing consumption levels for electrical and thermal energy, and also set important targets for implementation of the energy management system. They also drew up a timetable for the work to be undertaken by the learning network. The group target for electrical energy savings was set at seven per cent, for thermal energy at five per cent and for implementation of the energy management system at 79 per cent.