UNEP DTU signs MoU with Argentinian network of municipalities for energy efficiency initiatives

Today, UNEP DTU signed an MoU with the Argentinian network of municipalities to together implement energy efficiency initiatives. The signing of the MoU by Peter Skotner, Deputy Director of UNEP DTU Partnership and Mr. Ricardo Bertolino of Asociación Civil Red de Acción Climática (ACRAC) took place during the Danish State visit to Argentina, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark as well as Mr. Nicolás Dujovne, Argentinian Minister for Finance.

The purpose of the agreement is for the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency to assist Argentinian municipalities develop the implementation of local energy efficiency projects, in order to contribute to the Sustainable Development Objective by 2030 to double the global rate of improvement of energy efficiency.

The two organizations have identified the following key areas of cooperation in Argentinian cities:
a) Development of district energy, with the aim of promoting the implementation of cooling and / or heating networks for neighborhoods, industrial sites, or others;
b) Development of public lighting projects, replacing light bulbs, luminaires and other associated material by efficient systems;
c) Development of energy efficiency projects in public buildings (e.g. administrative buildings, hospitals, schools, libraries, swimming pools, social housing, etc.)
d) Development of energy efficiency in transport and logistics in urban areas.

In 2018 UNEP DTU Partnership's Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency worked with 38 Argentinian municipalities on data collection and technical assessments. These municipalities now have deep knowledge of the existing lighting infrastructure and the energy efficiency opportunities associated with it.

One of the main opportunities identified is energy efficient street lighting. Lighting is a key public service with increasing demand due to urbanisation. However, many existing light fixtures are outdated and highly energy inefficient. Current technology can cut up to 80% of energy use, while also lasting longer with lower maintenance costs.

The municipalities are part of the Red Argentina de Municipios Frente al Cambio Climático, a network of 160 municipalities interested in developing and implementing energy efficiency measures. The ACRAC is also the managing unit of the funds of the Red Argentina de Municipios Frente al Cambio Climático (RAMCC), an instrument for the coordination and promotion of local public policies against climate change in the cities and towns of Argentina.

As an integral partner in the UN Environment District Energy in Cities Initiative, UNEP DTU Partnership is helping cities in over a dozen developing countries conduct rapid assessments, pre-feasibility studies, capacity building and project implementation and financing of district energy.

District energy systems for heating and cooling buildings, use significantly less energy than individual boilers and chillers, or air conditioners. They also have the advantage of aggregating heating and cooling demand, making it possible to integrate renewable sources and to waste heat from industries and power plants.