The Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Wednesday signed a framework agreement with Norway-based DNV to cooperate in energy management and auditing.

The two organizations will cooperate to develop a measurement and verification system for China's energy consumption that is compatible with international norms.

Pilot projects will be carried out in major energy consumption regions, industrial sectors and enterprises, and the partners will study the feasibility of promoting an international energy management qualification system in China.

The two will also train Chinese firms in state-of-the-art energy auditing and management systems, according to the agreement.

China has been endeavoring to improving energy efficiency to relieve bottlenecks threatening the healthy development of its economy.

However, the lack of energy consumption assessment standards has been a key weakness, said Dai Yande, deputy director of the Energy Research Institute.

Established in 1864, DNV is an independent foundation and a leading international provider of verification and qualification services.

Source: Xinhua