Joint study to look into energy consumption trends

China and the United States have agreed to a joint study tracking Chinas industrial sectors energy consumption patterns, part of the two governments’ efforts to boost energy efficiency, the China Daily reported. The world’s top two energy users signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct a joint audit of up to 12 facilities in energy-intensive sectors, the paper said. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will then do a comparative study of these Chinese plants with American manufacturers to identify the best ways to save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The report did not say when the program would start. China’s industrial sector consumes 70% of the country’s energy needs, fuelled by rapid increases in investment in sectors such as cement, steel and aluminum. (September 17, 2007)