Recognizing the importance of water heating energy consumption, CLASP initiated this study in collaboration with Waide Strategic Efficiency and several other partners to identify the policy opportunities for more efficient water heaters in three of the largest economies in the world: China, India, and the US. This study provides policymakers and technical experts with the following resources:

• In-depth gap analysis of existing policy coverage of water heaters
• Derivation of energy, CO₂, and economic savings scenarios from the systematic move towards a more efficient mix of water heating technologies
• Country specific policy recommendations embracing a suite of policy measures including standards and labeling that will stimulate more efficient water heating technology.

Key Policy Recommendations

Based on the results of policy review and gap analysis, this study recommends stronger and more coherent policies for all three economies analyzed. However, the precise policies recommended vary by economy.

• Technology neutral policy measures: Allow easy comparison of the overall energy performance of different water heating technologies to help clarify the value proposition of the different choices available.
• Raising awareness: Help explain and promote the value proposition of high efficiency water heaters to consumers so they feel informed and empowered to select the most efficient and cost effective technology choices.
• Incentives to support high efficiency water heater deployment: Provide incentives to support the deployment of the more efficient solar and heat pump water heaters, so that their adoption rates increase and their incremental costs compared to traditional less efficient choices decline due to learning curve effects.