Global industrial energy efficiency improvement: trends, practices and policy support
introduction
The improvement of industrial energy efficiency has become the focus of global enterprises, especially in the current context of increasing emphasis on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) concepts. Based on several recent news related to industrial energy efficiency, this article will explore the measures and policy support taken by the global industrial sector to achieve higher energy efficiency.
Industry trends
International Perspective: Siemens drives Forvia’s transformation to higher energy efficiency
Recently, German engineering technology giant Siemens announced that it is collaborating with Forvia to jointly explore new ways of industrial energy efficiency. This cooperation aims to help Forvia optimize its energy management system, reduce energy consumption, improve production efficiency, and move towards higher energy efficiency standards through technological innovation and services. This initiative not only demonstrates Siemens’ leadership in promoting sustainable development, but also sets a good example for other industrial companies. (source:Forvia: Towards greater energy efficiency - Siemens)
Practice in China: TCL uses ESG concepts to promote the transformation of the global value chain
In China, home appliance manufacturer TCL is actively adopting ESG concepts to drive the green transformation of its global value chain. According to reports, TCL is committed to creating a zero-carbon emission production process by strengthening cooperation with supply chain partners and implementing energy conservation and emission reduction projects. This is one of the concrete practices of Chinese enterprises to respond to the challenge of global climate change and achieve sustainable development by improving industrial energy efficiency. It can be seen that Chinese enterprises are playing an increasingly important role in improving industrial energy efficiency. (source:[ESG+20 Sustainability Leaders] China's TCL Leverages ESG to Drive Global Value Chain Transformation - Yicai Global)
Policy support: EU approves measures to reduce industrial electricity prices
In April 2026, the European Commission approved a series of measures aimed at reducing industrial electricity prices. The direct goal of these measures is to alleviate the impact of high energy costs on European industrial enterprises, promote industrial production activities, and indirectly encourage enterprises to invest in more energy-saving technologies and equipment to further improve energy efficiency. The move is seen as an important step in promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring industrial competitiveness. (source:Industrial electricity price: Approval by the European Commission (as of April 2026) - Taylor Wessing)
Case study: Fürth becomes a lighthouse factory for sustainable development
Reports also from Siemens mentioned that the Fürth factory has been successfully transformed into a sustainable development "lighthouse factory". By using advanced digital technologies, the factory not only significantly improves energy efficiency, but also achieves more efficient use of resources and reduces environmental impact. The successful case of the Fürth factory shows that through technological innovation, industrial enterprises can achieve a win-win situation of economic benefits and environmental protection. (source:Sustainability Lighthouse Factory in Fürth - Siemens)
Definition and Outlook: “Zero Carbon Factory” Leads the Future
As the world attaches increasing importance to reducing carbon emissions, "zero-carbon factories" are gradually becoming a new standard and goal in the industrial field. A recent report from China Daily mentioned that a zero-carbon factory refers to a factory that achieves zero carbon emissions during the production process. This is not only a huge contribution to environmental protection, but also an effective way to enhance corporate competitiveness and meet consumers' growing demand for green products. Faced with this challenge, many industrial enterprises are actively exploring technologies and methods to achieve zero-carbon factories, indicating a new direction for future industrial development. (source:Word of the day | zero-carbon factory - China Daily)
in conclusion
From international to domestic, from corporate practice to government policy promotion, improving industrial energy efficiency has become a global consensus. Through technological innovation, strengthening international cooperation and policy support, various industrial fields are gradually achieving greener and sustainable development goals. The concept of "zero-carbon factory" points the way for future development and will greatly promote the transformation of the global economy to low-carbon and high-efficiency.
📰 Reference source
- Forvia: Towards greater energy efficiency - Siemens(2026-02-13)
- [ESG+20 Sustainability Leaders] China's TCL Leverages ESG to Drive Global Value Chain Transformation - Yicai Global(2026-03-20)
- Industrial electricity price: Approved by the European Commission (as of April 2026) - Taylor Wessing(2026-04-24)
- Word of the Day | zero-carbon factory - China Daily Website(2026-01-22)
- Siemens Sustainable Lighthouse Factory - Philitter(2026-02-13)
FAQ ❓
What are the specific goals of Siemens' cooperation with Forvia?
The goal of Siemens' collaboration with Forvia is to help Forvia optimize its energy management system, reduce energy consumption, and improve production efficiency through technological innovation and services, thereby advancing to higher energy efficiency standards.
How TCL Utilizes ESG Principles to Drive the Green Transformation of Its Global Value Chain?
TCL is committed to creating a zero-carbon production process by strengthening cooperation with supply chain partners and implementing energy-saving and emission-reduction projects, thereby promoting the green transformation of its global value chain.
What measures has the EU taken to reduce industrial electricity prices and what are the purposes of these measures?
In April 2026, the European Commission approved a series of measures aimed at reducing industrial electricity prices, directly targeting the alleviation of the impact of high energy costs on European industrial enterprises, while indirectly encouraging companies to invest in energy-saving technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.
What specific achievements has the Pilking factory realized as a 'lighthouse factory' for sustainable development?
The Völt factory has significantly improved energy efficiency, achieved more effective use of resources, and reduced its environmental impact by adopting advanced digital technologies, becoming a typical success case of sustainable development.
What is the concept of a 'zero-carbon factory' and its significance for the future development of industry?
A 'zero-carbon factory' refers to a factory that achieves zero carbon emissions during the production process. It not only makes a significant contribution to environmental protection but also serves as an effective way to enhance corporate competitiveness and meet the growing consumer demand for green products, signaling a new direction for future industrial development.