Achieving Sustainability in World Bank Energy Efficiency Projects: Lessons Learned Developing ESCOs in China

摘要

This article considers why some energy efficiency investment projects in developing countries may yield more sustainable results than others. The author concludes that systematic attention to institutional development is of prime importance. The story behind successful development of energy service companies (ESCOs) in China with World Bank support is cited as an illustrative example. Annual energy performance contracting investment by China's ESCOs topped USD 1 billion in 2007 and continues to grow.