Building synergies between EU and GCC on energy efficiency

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to analyse the state of play on energy efficiency with regards to policy, legislation and technological issues in the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Moreover, specific collaboration proposals between the two regions, with respect to the aforementioned, are elaborated on. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this paper utilizes and integrates the input from a large number of experts through excerpts from extensive international literature, dedicated meetings, bilateral interviews with experts and questionnaires regarding specific proposals for further collaboration. Findings – Collaboration on energy efficiency between the two regions focuses mainly on three directions: policy, technologies and research. Specific collaboration proposals identified relate among others to the establishment of energy agencies and synergies at the policy level, building retrofitting technologies, labels and standards especially for air conditioning and exchange of know‐how on demand side management and third party financing. Originality/value – Information on the state of play of energy efficiency in the GCC is, for the most part, scattered and fragmented. This paper is the first integrated analysis on the GCC status. Moreover, this paper provides solid collaboration modules between the EU and GCC, through an active participation of experts from both sides.