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

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

Pilot schemes will be implemented across major energy consumption regions, industrial sectors and enterprises, with the partners set to study the feasibility of promoting an international energy management qualification system in China.

Both partners will also train Chinese firms in state-of-the-art energy auditing and management systems, as laid out in the agreement.

China has endeavored to improve energy efficiency to relieve potentially economy-damaging bottlenecks.

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.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2006)