Improving industrial energy efficiency: global trends and Chinese practice
Global trends in industrial energy efficiency
As the world attaches increasing importance to sustainable development, improving industrial energy efficiency has become an important goal for governments and enterprises around the world to work together. Especially at the beginning of 2026, several important events and development trends further reflect this.
European Commission Industrial Electricity Price Approval
The European Commission approved a new industrial electricity price policy in April 2026, which aims to promote energy efficiency and technological innovation in European industry by reducing industrial electricity prices. This decision is expected to help reduce energy consumption in the industrial sector while improving its competitiveness in the global market. Taylor Wessing's report pointed out that the implementation of the new policy will have a positive impact on the long-term development of European manufacturing, especially in promoting low-carbon transformation.
Siemens Fürth Sustainable Development Lighthouse Factory
Siemens announced in February 2026 that its Fürth factory had successfully transformed into a sustainable development lighthouse factory. This factory uses advanced digital technology and intelligent management methods to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Through this project, Siemens demonstrated how to transform traditional factories into efficient green production facilities, providing valuable experience and demonstration cases for the sustainable development of global industry.
China’s progress in improving industrial energy efficiency
In China, improving industrial energy efficiency has also received widespread attention from the government and enterprises. At the beginning of 2026, China Electric Group (TCL) and Siemens China Branch respectively made important progress in this field.
TCL: Using ESG to drive transformation of the global value chain
According to Yicai Global, Chinese electrical appliance group TCL has accelerated the transformation of its global value chain by implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. TCL has not only improved the energy efficiency and environmental protection standards of its factories domestically, but also replicated its experience in the international market. This move not only helps reduce the carbon footprint in the production process, but also wins TCL recognition and competitive advantages in the international market.
Siemens China: Forvia system helps achieve higher energy efficiency
Siemens China Branch launched the Forvia system in February 2026, which helps enterprises achieve higher energy efficiency by integrating digital twin technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The application of the Forvia system has not only produced significant results within Siemens, but also plans to be promoted to more Chinese industrial enterprises to help them optimize production processes, reduce energy costs, and achieve sustainable development goals.
Zero-carbon factory: China’s new benchmark
China Daily mentioned the concept of zero-carbon factories in a report in January 2026. Zero-carbon factories refer to industrial production facilities that are completely carbon neutral through renewable energy, high-efficiency equipment and advanced management technology. The promotion of this concept shows that China has taken a new step in improving industrial energy efficiency and environmental protection. Both governments and enterprises are actively exploring this model to cope with increasingly severe environmental challenges.
Analysis and Outlook
From a global perspective, the improvement of industrial energy efficiency has become a new trend. The European Commission’s electricity price policy and Siemens’ sustainable development lighthouse factory project demonstrate the latest progress and technology applications in this field in developed countries. At the same time, China’s efforts in this field cannot be ignored. TCL's ESG practices and Siemens China's Forvia system, as well as the promotion of the concept of zero-carbon factories, all show that China is actively taking measures to promote industrial energy efficiency improvements and green transformation.
In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the gradual implementation of policies, it is expected that more companies will join the ranks of improving industrial energy efficiency. This will not only help achieve global carbon emission reduction goals, but will also bring dual economic and environmental benefits to enterprises.
📰 Reference source
- Fürth Sustainable Development Lighthouse Factory- 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: Approval by the European Commission (as of April 2026)- Taylor Wessing (2026-04-24)
- The Word Daily | zero-carbon factory- China Daily (2026-01-22)
- Forvia: Towards greater energy efficiency- Siemens (2026-02-13)
FAQ
What new policies have been approved by the European Commission in 2026 to promote industrial energy efficiency?
In April 2026, the European Commission approved a new industrial electricity price policy aimed at reducing industrial electricity prices to promote energy efficiency and technological innovation in European industry.
How can the Siemens Fürth plant be transformed into a sustainable lighthouse factory?
The Siemens Fürth plant has significantly improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and successfully transformed into a sustainable lighthouse plant through the use of advanced digital technology and intelligent management tools.
How does China Electrical Appliances Group (TCL) use ESG to drive the transformation of global value chains?
TCL accelerates the transformation of global value chains by implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, improving energy efficiency and environmental standards in domestic plants, and extending these experiences to international markets.
What are the features of Siemens China's Forvia system?
Siemens China's Forvia system helps companies achieve greater energy efficiency, optimize production processes, and reduce energy costs by integrating digital twin technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
What is the significance of the concept of a zero-carbon plant in China?
The concept of a zero-carbon plant refers to an industrial production facility that is fully carbon-neutral through renewable energy, high-efficiency equipment, and advanced management technologies. The promotion of this concept shows China's new progress in addressing environmental challenges and promoting industrial energy efficiency.