International ESCO Symposium 2025 – Message from ESCO Associations

Session Overview

Moderated by Pierre Langlois, Co-chair of the Global ESCO Network, this session brought together leaders from ESCO associations across Malaysia, Spain, Mexico, and Thailand. The discussion focused on the role of ESCO associations in shaping national markets, promoting energy performance contracting (EPC), and overcoming regulatory, financial, and market barriers.

Key Speakers and Highlights

Zulkifli Zahari – President, MAESCO (Malaysia)

• Context: Malaysia targets a 45% emissions reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
• Achievements:
  • Played a key role in enacting Malaysia’s Energy Efficiency Act (2024).
  • Developed strong ties with government, industry, and financial institutions.
  • Offers training and capacity building for energy managers and auditors.
• Challenges:
  • Long legislative delays due to political changes.
  • Limited bank understanding of EPC financing.
  • Need for more visibility and recognition of successful projects.

Carlos Ballesteros Barrado – Director General, ANESE (Spain)

• Context: Spain has 185 ESCO-related members and a growing market.
• Achievements:
  • Developed standardized EPC contracts and financial methodologies.
  • Leveraged EU recovery funds and white certificate schemes.
  • Strong collaboration with banks and utilities.
• Challenges:
  • Lack of awareness and understanding of EPC models.
  • Public sector inertia and slow adoption.
  • Need for broader implementation of performance-based models.

Ricardo Velasquez Lechuga – President, AMENEER (Mexico)

• Context: Mexico aims for a 35% emissions reduction by 2030.
• Achievements:
  • Built an ESCO ecosystem including consultants, manufacturers, and financiers.
  • Collaborated with government and international partners on pilot projects.
  • Promotes certification and training through EVO protocols.
• Challenges:
  • High cost of capital (interest rates 12–15%).
  • Lack of national policies supporting EPC.
  • Need for more accessible and standardized contracts.

Peerasut Thirakomen – Vice President, Thai ESCO Association

• Context: Thailand targets 30% energy intensity reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2065.
• Achievements:
  • ESCOs recognized in national energy plans.
  • Collaboration with the Bank of Thailand on green taxonomy and sustainable finance.
  • Tax incentives and import duty exemptions for energy-efficient projects.
• Challenges:
  • Market trust and confidence in ESCO models.
  • Limited access to tailored financial products and credit insurance.
  • Need for standardized M&V protocols and risk mitigation tools.

Common Themes Across Countries

• Enablers of Growth:
  • Strong government support and clear policy frameworks.
  • Financial incentives and risk-sharing mechanisms.
  • Capacity building and standardized protocols (e.g., IPMVP).
• Barriers:
  • Lack of awareness and trust in EPC models.
  • Financing challenges, especially in emerging markets.
  • Limited visibility of successful projects due to confidentiality.

Conclusion

ESCO associations are pivotal in shaping national energy efficiency markets. Their collaboration with governments, financial institutions, and international networks is essential to scale up EPC adoption. While progress is evident, overcoming trust, financing, and policy barriers remains critical for unlocking the full potential of ESCOs globally.