[Ict4devwg] IEA predicts surge in energy use by electronic 'gadgets'

[Vern Weitzel]

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IEA predicts surge in energy use by electronic 'gadgets'

EurActiv.com, 14 May 2009 - Measures to reduce the energy consumption of mobile 
phones, computers, TVs and other electronic devices are failing to keep up with 
soaring global demand for new appliances, the International Energy Agency (IEA) 
said in a report yesterday (13 May).

If left unchecked, the IEA predicts energy use by new electronic gadgets will 
triple by 2030, jeopardising efforts to improve energy security and keep 
emissions of global warming gases under control.

"Despite anticipated improvements in the efficiency of electronic devices, these 
savings are likely to be overshadowed by the rising demand for technology," said 
IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka.

Electronic devices currently account for 15% of household electricity 
consumption, but their share is rising rapidly, mainly due to growing demand in 
Africa and the developing world. There are already nearly two billion television 
sets in use, the Paris-based agency noted, and over half the world's population 
already subscribe to a mobile phone service.

Over the next seven months, the number of people using a personal computer will 
surpass the one billion mark, according to the IEA report, 'Gadgets and Gigawatts'.

The rise in demand is expected to bring energy consumption up to 1,700 TWh by 
2030, "the equivalent to the current combined total residential electricity 
consumption of the United States and Japan," said Mr. Tanaka. "It would also 
cost households around the world $200 billion in electricity bills and require 
the addition of approximately 280 Gigawatts (GW) of new generating capacity 
between now and 2030."

On the positive side, the IEA said energy-saving opportunities were 
considerable, noting that consumption from consumer electronics could be cut by 
more than half with available technologies.

To deliver these savings, strong public policies are needed, the IEA stressed. 
"The largest improvement opportunity must come from making hardware and software 
work together more effectively to ensure that energy is only used when and to 
the extent needed," the agency said.

"In particular, given that new devices increasingly offer a variety of 
functions, each of which may have differing energy needs, policies are needed 
that set maximum energy budgets for each function."

The EU has adopted efficiency standards for dozens of energy-consuming 
appliances such as TVs and freezers under its 2005 Eco-design Directive. The 
text has recently been updated to include all products that have an indirect 
impact on energy use, such as windows, insulation materials, showers and water 
taps).

Links

EU

European Commission: Ecodesign directive
European Commission: Energy efficiency and ICT
International Organizations

IEA: Press release (13 May 2009)
IEA: Report: Gadgets and Gigawatts -- Policies for Energy Efficient Electronics 
(Executive summary)
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Author			EurActiv.com
	

Publication Date			14 May 2009
	

Document Type			 News articles
	

Issue/Topic			 Energy & Climate
Energy Efficiency in Buildings
	

Source			 EurActiv.com