Analysis and Case Studies of Residential Heat Metering and Energy-Efficiency Retrofits in China's Northern Heating Region

Publication Type

Journal Article

Date Published

10/2014

Authors

DOI

Abstract

During the past 5 years, the Chinese government has organized and implemented a large-scale energy-efficiency retrofit program for existing residential buildings in China׳s northern heating region. However, many obstacles, especially lack of successful financing arrangements, have limited the implementation of retrofits under the program. This paper analyzes the key financing challenges that have faced the program, using case studies of the different financing arrangements that have been used. Some of the key issues influencing the program׳s success to date are differing retrofit and other priorities of various stakeholders, timing and methods of payback on investments, potential investors׳ lack of access to risk analysis, uncertainty about benefit sharing, and the need for revisions in policies governing retrofits and energy contracts. We make recommendations to address these issues and improve the success of the north China energy-efficiency retrofit program.

Journal

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Volume

38

Year of Publication

2014

Organization