From Technical Assistance to Investment: Energy Management Learning Network Concludes in Peru

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The Euroclima Energy Management Systems Learning Network in Peru has strengthened the technical capacities of public and private companies to implement energy management systems based on the ISO 50001 standard. By October 2025, the initiative had achieved economic savings of approximately EUR 900,000, investments of nearly EUR 900,000, a reduction of 6,405 tCO₂ per year, and investment commitments of EUR 53 million by 2027

"It has been more than twelve months of joint work, during which the commitment of the participating companies has enabled progress towards more efficient energy management and responsible use of resources, demonstrating that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand.” — José Neil Meza Segura, Director General of Energy Efficiency, MINEM

More than a dozen public and private sector companies in Peru have demonstrated that energy efficiency not only reduces emissions but also boosts competitiveness and paves the way for sustainable investments. Over more than twelve months of technical work and specialised support, the Energy Management Systems Learning Network (RdA), led by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) of Peru, with the support of the European Union through the Euroclima Programme and implemented by GIZ, concluded with results that link CO₂ emissions reductions to lower production costs in companies across various industries, alongside investment commitments to decarbonise their operations.

A methodology that turns capacities into results

Learning Networks (RdA) are collaborative spaces where companies with varying levels of energy maturity share experiences, receive specialised technical assistance, and apply international standards such as ISO 50001.

Through this methodology, technical teams strengthen their competencies, develop action plans, and achieve measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

The development of the Energy Management Systems Learning Network in Peru followed a structured process across four phases, combining technical assistance, collaborative learning, and continuous support.

During the creation phase, participating companies were invited to join, and collaboration agreements were formalised through an inception workshop. In the diagnostic phase, teams carried out detailed energy analyses, identified performance gaps, and conducted site visits to detect improvement opportunities.

The development phase concentrated most of the technical work, with eight implementation workshops, four webinars, personalised advisory sessions, and internal audit exercises that strengthened team capacities. Finally, the closing phase included a comprehensive evaluation of results and a public presentation of the achievements, consolidating a technical community committed to energy efficiency and industrial sustainability.

Nineteen institutions initially joined the network, and fifteen organisations remained engaged throughout the process, implementing concrete measures to optimise electricity and thermal consumption, reduce emissions, and generate significant savings.

By October 2025, results showed economic savings of approximately EUR 900,000, investments exceeding EUR 900,000, and a reduction of 6,405 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year.

According to projections, by December 2027 these results could reach EUR 25.4 million in annual savings, EUR 53.5 million in total investments, and a reduction of 296,081 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year.

These figures reflect an investment-to-cooperation ratio that would grow from 2.62 to 156.25, alongside a significant decrease in the cost of emission reductions—from EUR 53.08 to EUR 1.15 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent.

Closing a collective process

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The closing event of the Learning Network took place in Lima with the participation of representatives from the public and private sectors and international cooperation. They highlighted the progress achieved and reaffirmed their commitment to energy efficiency as a key pillar of the country’s green transition.

During the event, the participating companies received recognition for their commitment and for achieving the goals established in the process, reflecting their concrete contribution to emission reduction and the improvement of industrial competitiveness in Peru.

Mr Michael Eichholtz, representative of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasised that

“the Government of Peru, with the support of Germany, has promoted measures for large companies to optimise their energy-intensive production processes, implementing tools based on international standards that allow them to progress towards sustainability in a competitive way and align with international market requirements.”

He added that this support included the development of methodologies to characterise the industrial and commercial building sectors, which will serve as the basis for a new Useful Energy Balance—a key instrument for long-term energy planning.

Finally, Mr Jérôme Poussielgue, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Peru, reaffirmed that

"Peru is not alone in the fight against climate change. The European Union is, and will continue to be, a reliable partner—supporting the country with cooperation, knowledge, and strategic partnerships aimed at positively transforming the energy matrix, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and opening new opportunities for sustainable development.”

Learning Networks for Energy Efficiency Management Systems (ISO 50001) are an effective instrument that directly involves the private sector, enabling companies to invest in energy efficiency measures that reduce both costs and emissions. This approach, already implemented in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, can be easily adapted to different sectors and national contexts.