It is not every day that practitioners, industry leaders, and consumer representatives are challenged by philosophy at an energy conference. But that is what Arne Johan Vetlesen, Professor of Philosophy at University of Oslo, did at the Nordic Energy Efficiency Conference in Oslo on 30 January. However, exemplary energy efficiency solutions already exist – whether sufficient or not. 

Keynote speaker Kjetil Lund, Director of the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), opened with a statement from the IEA’s Energy Efficiency 2022 report, highlighting that 37% of emission reductions needed for net-zero by 2050 must come from energy efficiency.

“Through enhanced action on energy efficiency, we can avoid superfluous investments in grid projects and power plants which often come with severe and controversial impacts on nature,“ Lund noted. 

Lund also underscored that energy efficiency can be an effective tool against a polarised energy debate and an important tool for security policy as it makes us more independent and self-reliant on energy. 

From left: Klaus Skytte, CEO, Nordic Energy Research, Kati Ruohomäki, Chief Policy Adviser, EK – Confederation of Finnish Industries, Peter Bach, Consultant, Kjetil Lund, Director, Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), Arne Johan Vetlesen, Professor of Philosophy, University of Oslo, and moderator Hilde Sandvik.

An alternative narrative about energy efficiency

Even though we live in uncertain times, we are constantly being told that one thing is certain, that in the future there will be an ever-growing increase in the demand for energy, with the Nordic countries being no exception.

“The widely shared assumption is that enhanced efficiency – in terms of technologies, in particular – will help us meet the stipulated demand for energy. I, for one, find this questionable,“ said Vetlesen.  

He suggests that, rather than promoting a narrative about energy efficiency first, we need to look for an alternative narrative, call it an older one rather than a new one, based on sufficiency, highlighting restraint, frugality, and respect for limits, and advancing the values and attitudes of modesty and gratitude.  

Key policy tools and key success factors

In Denmark, the use of binding Energy Efficiency Obligations (EEOs) is considered one of the key policy tools. Denmark’s EEOs (2006-2020) covered electricity, district heating, gas, and oil sectors and operated in 3-4 years cycles. The Danish perspective was elaborated on by energy efficiency expert Peter Bach.

“The targets for energy savings were increased over time but still consistently met. Although, a shift in savings was registered toward industrial sectors, while household savings decreased,“ Bach noted in his presentation.  

Kati Ruohomäki from the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) presented a different approach, relying on voluntary agreements with key industries, including oil, the public sector, energy, energy-intensive industries, and services.

“The key success factors of the business commitment to energy efficiency agreements were that it 1) offered a flexible alternative to mandatory legislation and some financial support, 2) helped businesses meet requirements for environmental permits, and 3) enhanced their sustainability image,” said Ruohomäki.

Energy efficiency barriers and dilemmas

Lund questioned why energy efficiency receives less attention than for example solar power and other technologies. One explanation is the lack of political appeal. 

“High energy prices often drive investment in energy efficiency, but this makes it less politically attractive to promote compared to solutions that promise immediate innovation or economic growth,” said Lund.

Vetlesen told us that energy efficiency alone does not address the structural drivers of overconsumption; a culture of sufficiency is needed. According to Vetlesen, you could claim that it is about avoiding the “rebound effect,” where money saved through energy efficiency is spent on other goods and services.  

Bach also commented on Vetlesen’s critique of energy efficiency, stating that the notion of sufficiency has a greater place in the current debate: “There is a need for policies and regulations that aims to reduce the overall consumption of energy and materials,” he added.    

Nordic Energy Research would like to thank all participants for joining the Nordic Energy Efficiency Conference. We look forward to building on the discussed topics and following the progress of efficient and sustainable energy use in the Nordics.