Africa could take a leap to energy efficiency: What lessons could Sub-Saharan countries learn from European energy efficiency policy implementation?

Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries face many challenges in their energy policy. Traditionally, energy efficiency has not been important in SSA. On the contrary, growing energy use is often regarded as a condition for economic growth. This paper argues that SSA countries could take a leap to an energy efficient economy, avoiding the path that e.g. Europe has taken, first expanding its energy use and now painfully reducing it.In elaborating their energy vision, SSA countries could profit from European Union experience. The paper has selected four policy areas to present lessons: energy using products, buildings, energy efficiency in transport, efficiency in cities and communities.Energy labels work together with efficiency standards for energy consuming products. These take time to be established but provide a process that can be repeated from one product group to another. The biggest consumption sectors in scarce supply networks should be addressed first, be it lighting, cooking or refrigerating. There is also a need to inform retail market chains. The use of these tools in second hand markets could be developed.European policy experience highlights the importance of building regulations and building codes. Other policy tools are needed in parallel, notably training, education and information to all professionals in construction and building maintenance.Fiscal tools, car or fuel taxation, are effective to improve the energy efficiency of cars. Eco driving schemes both for professional drivers and as part of driving licence education are cheap measures. Car efficiency labelling is a useful awareness raising tool. Similar, simplified schemes could also be developed for second had cars.Energy efficiency and savings take place at a local level. Europe has obtained good results from city networks where cities develop their own action plans for sustainable energy and transport and exchange their knowledge and experience.

► Sub Saharan African countries could make a leap directly to high energy efficient economy.
► The leap requires a stable policy framework and many policy measures.
► European experience in implementing energy efficiency policies and measures provides lessons.
► Lessons are drawn regarding energy consuming products, buildings' energy saving, energy use in transport and local activities.