Global Energy Efficiency Collaboration: EEM Explores New Paths for Sustainability
Global industrial transformation is accelerating. Energy issues are becoming more pressing: environmental pressures from traditional energy use are forcing industries to upgrade, and rising energy prices are straining corporate costs. In this context, improving energy efficiency is both a must to tackle current crises and a key to balanced economic, environmental, and social development.
Recently, Mike Umiker, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Movement (EEM), visited China for the first time since taking office. He shared the latest global energy efficiency practices and ideas with Chinese companies. interviewed Mike to learn more about EEM’s developments and China’s role in global energy efficiency transformation.
EEM: From Joint Initiative to Global Platform
EEM started in 2021 as a joint initiative by ABB and Alfa Laval. Its aim: raise global awareness of energy efficiency and speed up the use of high-efficiency energy solutions.
Today, EEM has grown into an independent global non-profit association. It has attracted about 600 companies worldwide, including over 70 Chinese firms from industrial automation, water treatment, printing, and packaging.
EEM’s core work is to provide actionable energy-saving solutions. Its Industrial Energy Efficiency Cases report lists 10 measures for industrial energy efficiency. For example, using high-efficiency motors with frequency converters can cut energy use and costs while keeping operations running. These measures can be deployed quickly and scaled up.
By 2030, such steps could reduce global carbon emissions by 11%. They could also save the industrial sector $437 billion annually.
“Technology, Collaboration, Scale—That’s the Key”
“The key to improving energy efficiency lies in technology, collaboration, and large-scale application,” Mike emphasized. “We have mature technologies. Now, we need to speed up large-scale implementation—and that needs the whole industry chain to work together.”
As a co-founder, ABB is more than a technology provider; it’s a driver of practice. Its new brand positioning, “Engineering True Progress,” combines engineering experience with digital technology. This helps industries operate efficiently, boost energy and production efficiency, and support sustainability.
Digital Technologies Break Through Barriers
Despite huge potential, companies face hurdles in energy efficiency.
Energy audits are well-developed in China, and regulations are clear. But energy management needs accurate data. EEM’s white paper Energy Efficiency Action: Start Now shows data and management risks are major barriers.
46% of surveyed companies struggle to collect high-quality energy data. 39% don’t process data regularly, so management can’t track efficiency.
Digital technologies like AI are solving these problems. In Chinese industrial parks, AI-driven energy audits and digital twins are now widespread.
uses AI to create standardized solutions for heating, steel, and ports. By analyzing power use, emissions, and operations, it helps clients cut energy use and improve processes.
Xinjiang Tianfu Energy Heating Branch is a success story. Using data from 2,000+ frequency converters, ABB’s AI analyzes energy use and warns of issues. Since 2009, the partnership has saved 70,000 tons of standard coal, cut CO₂ by 180,000 tons, and saved 18.054 billion kWh of electricity.
Global Collaboration: No Country Can Go It Alone
Energy efficiency is a global challenge. No country or industry can solve it alone.
Mike believes countries and industries have unique strengths. Sharing experience and collaborating is critical.
EEM takes an active role in global energy dialogues. At the 10th IEA Global Energy Efficiency Conference, it organized a CEO roundtable as an official partner. This helped build cross-industry cooperation.
EEM also publishes reports and guides to help companies overcome funding, technology, and market access issues.
Success Stories: Chinese Companies Lead the Way
EEM encourages collaboration between companies of all sizes. For example, Shenyang Blower Group and ABB worked together on a China National Petroleum project. They replaced steam turbine-driven ethylene compressors with motor-and-converter systems. This cut fuel use and emissions sharply.
“Promoting efficiency standards is important,” Mike said. He pointed to China’s energy efficiency credit training system, which helps companies find and fix energy weaknesses.
Chinese companies are already seeing results. Dongguan Haoxin Precision Machinery adopted ABB’s solution for its book gluing line. Production rose from 50 to 60 books per minute—20% more efficient. Energy use dropped 15%, and energy efficiency rose 20%.
From Policy to Passion: Energy Efficiency as a Core Driver
Today, energy efficiency is no longer just a policy requirement. It’s a way for companies to stay competitive and transform. It involves technical, economic, environmental, and social responsibilities.
With better technology, closer collaboration, and stronger motivation, energy efficiency will drive industry toward a more efficient, low-carbon future.
