The International Energy Agency has (IEA) officially recognised Australia's energy efficiency initiatives and incorporated key Australian initiatives as case studies in the IEA's Policy Pathways initiative which was launched this week in Paris.
The Policy Pathways series has identified three Australian Government initiatives for inclusion in a profile of best practice policy implementation across the world.
The first, Australia's equipment and appliance energy efficiency measure, was included in the first of the series launched this week, with the remaining two, building certification and Australia's Energy Efficiency Opportunity (EEO) program, to be the subject of future releases in 2011.
The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP welcomed the announcement and noted that Australia's involvement in the IEA's Policy Pathways paved the way for this international recognition of Australia's initiatives in key energy efficiency policies.
"The Pathways series shows how countries can improve energy efficiency in ways appropriate to their national and policy circumstances," Minister Ferguson said.
"There is more work to be done, however it is good to see Australia engaging internationally.
"Australia is sharing its experience in equipment and industrial energy efficiency programs, because they have been particularly successful in improving energy efficiency outcomes.
"The Australian Government recognises the benefits and results achieved to date through the EEO program. This is why we have committed to expanding it to cover power stations. It is great to see the EEO program now being recognised internationally."
The IEA Policy Pathway released on appliance and equipment energy efficiency drew on Australia's experience working with business to ensure labelling information on appliance energy use was provided to consumers.
Participation in the IEA Policy Pathways initiative reflects Australia's global engagement in sharing energy efficiency lessons. In May 2010 Australia joined the International Partnership on Energy Efficiency Cooperation, an international body launched to further energy efficiency collaboration internationally.