International comparisons of industrial energy efficiency can be helpful in selecting countries where emission reduction action is most effective. The aim of this paper is to analyse the energy efficiency of two energy-intensive industries in major developing countries. The energy efficiency in the two sectors is compared to that of the US. The analysis shows that the iron and steel sector is most energy-efficient in South Korea and Brazil and that Mexico, India and China have achieved an energy efficiency level comparable to that of the US in recent years. Among the countries analysed, the specific energy consumption in the iron and steel sector ranges from 25 to 70% above best plant energy consumption in recent years. For cement production, we found that South Korea is the most energy-efficient country analysed, followed by Brazil, Mexico and in recent years India. The US and China are the least efficient countries in our analysis. The specific energy consumption in the cement sector ranges from 2 to 50% above best plant energy consumption. The differences in energy efficiency are largely explained by the differences in the type of clinker kilns used. Data on energy use are to some extent uncertain and our results should be used with care. However, on the basis of the statistical data available now, we conclude that developing countries are not always the least efficient and that it is not necessarily true that the cheapest greenhouse gas emission mitigation options can be found there.@en

As Parties to the Climate Convention EU Member States have opted for a joint fulfilment of post-2000 greenhouse gas emission reduction obligations. No agreement could be reached on a joint EU target before the distribution of the burden of emission reductions among Member States had been agreed upon. This paper presents a sectoral approach to burden sharing, which incorporates important national circumstances. The three categories distinguished are the power sector, the internationally operating energy-intensive industry and the remaining domestically oriented sectors. Emission allowances are calculated by applying rules, such as a limitation of coal use for power production, minimum requirements for renewable energy, and minimum energy efficiency improvement rates in industry. For the domestic sectors a per capita emission allowance approach is used. The approach is applied to EU Member States to show the distribution of emission reductions for 2010. Also a comparison with other burden differentiation approaches is made. Results of the analysis played an important role in internal EU discussions, resulting in a better understanding among negotiators of differences in national circumstances and their role in emission levels. This improved understanding led to a political agreement on emission reduction targets that are substantially higher than targets Member States had been prepared to accept earlier.@en