May 2, 2013: Super-Efficient A/C Could Greatly Reduce Energy Demand
BERKELEY, Calif. — A new assessment of the potential benefits from deploying super-efficient air conditioners has found significant untapped potential for air conditioner efficiency that could avoid more than 120 medium-sized (500 MW) power plants in the countries studied by 2020. The International Energy Studies group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in collaboration with Navigant Consulting Inc. Europe conducted the study.
The countries analyzed in the study include: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Commission, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The authors of the report noted that the study’s finding could have a major impact on energy efficiency strategy for countries such as India and China as they attempt to cope with high energy demand and the capacity required to address peak load.