ESCO Market Report for Non-European Countries 2013

Energy efficiency is emerging as a key element of energy and climate policies in several countries around the globe. Concerns with the effects of climate change and security of supplies have triggered in most countries policies and programmes to foster energy efficiency, including creating a market for energy efficiency services and attracting private capitals. In addition, rising energy prices and increased interest in energy management in public and private organisations have created a new demand for energy efficiency services. These developments have an impact on the ESCO industry globally. In recent years several countries have recognised the unique role of ESCOs in delivering energy efficiency in a cost-effective manner involving commercial companies. These
countries have started policies and programmes to introduce the ESCO industry, including creating a demand. This is not an easy task and to have a fully working and self-sustainable market it may take several years and it requires often a very good regulatory framework. Other countries, such as the
USA, have a long experience with a fully functioning ESCO market. However, even the USA as well as other well established ESCO markets are still far ways from reaching their full potential.