Kanji Yoshioka

An Index Number Method for Estimating Scale Economies and Technical Processes Using Time-series of Cross-section Data: Sources of Total Factor Productivity Growth for Japanese Manufacturing, 1964–1988

Sample multicollinearity often makes it difficult to estimate returns to scale. We present an index number method to overcome potential multicollinearity problems when the production function is homogeneous of degree k. We apply our method to estimate empirically the effects of returns to scale and technical progress on growth in total factor productivity (TFP) using establishment data for Japanese manufacturing industries. We find that, while significant scale economies exist in many manufacturing industries, the TFP growth in the last twenty-five years is attributable primarily to technical progress. This finding also validates the current practice of assuming constant-returns-to-scale production functions in macroeconometric modelling. JEL Classification Numbers: C43, D24, 030.

Life cycle of CO2-emissions from electric vehicles and gasoline vehicles utilizing a process-relational model

This article aims at estimating life cycle CO2 emissions from electric vehicles (EV) and gasoline vehicles (GV), although the estimation in this study is not an LCA according to ISO14040s. For this purpose, a mathematical tool called the Process-relational model was developed. The Process-relational model is used for establishing life cycle inventories. The model has a structure which improved the principle of input-output analysis in econometrics that only one product is generated by one process. This model enabled us to overcome difficulties of LCA in retracing complicated repercussions among production systems.Then, life cycle CO2, emissions from electric vehicles (EV) and gasoline vehicles (GV) were estimated with this model. Estimated results indicated that the manufacture and driving of EV resulted in less CO2 emissions than chose of GV. However, the difference between EV and GV dramatically changed depending on traffic situations. Namely, the difference became larger as the average velocity of the vehicles became lower. We also compared CO2, emission from manufacturing EV with that from driving EV. The share of manufacture was shown to increase in total CO2, emissions as the average velocity of the EV became higher. In conclusion, we clarified the direction of research and development of EV and GV for reducing the life cycle CO2.

Environmental Management in Japan: Applications of Input-Output Analysis to the Emission of Global Warming Gases

Environmental management requires, among other things, the incorporation of environmentally friendly technologies into production processes of environmentally friendly technologies into production processes at the producer level and the adoption of energy consumption patterns which save energy use at the household level. The systemwide approach involving both technology choice and consumer preference seems particularly essential for controlling the total emission of global warming gases. CO 2 and other global warming gases, as well as certain pollution causing gases, are produced when fossil fuels are burnt; and the consumption of fossil fuels occurs in both the production and consumption of goods and services. In this paper we discuss how input-output analysis can be used to estimate the entire production and consumption of global warming gases conditional on production technology and consumer preferences. We also present estimation results and their application to some environmental management issues in Japan.

The life cycle CO/sub 2/ emission performance of the DOE/NASA solar power satellite system: a comparison of alternative power generation systems in Japan

Solar power generation and, in particular, space solar power generation seem to be one of the most promising electric power generation technologies for reducing emissions of global warming gases (denoted collectively as CO/sub 2/ emissions below). Calculating the precise amount of net reduction in CO/sub 2/ emissions of a solar power system over other alternative power systems requires careful life cycle considerations. For example, emissions from a space solar system must include the emissions from consuming rocket fuel during the launching the satellites, and the emissions from the energy consumed while producing the solar panels. In this paper, we calculate the CO/sub 2/ emissions observed through the life cycle of a solar power satellite (SPS). This life cycle consists of the production of rocket fuel and solar panels and the construction of a Rectenna (power receiving antenna), satellite, and all other equipment listed in the Department of Energy/NASA reference system. The calculation also includes indirect CO/sub 2/ emissions that occur in various stages of production of these materials. Our baseline scenario shows that the life cycle CO/sub 2/ emissions for an SPS system per unit of energy generated are almost the same as the emissions for nuclear power systems and are much less than the life cycle emissions for LNG-fired and coal-fired power generation systems. Furthermore, our SPS-Breeder scenario, in which SPSs supply electricity for producing further SPS systems, shows significantly lower CO/sub 2/ emissions. As electrical power generation constitutes one fourth of Japans total CO/sub 2/ emissions, reducing emissions from electric power generation is one of the most important issues on Japans policy agenda for dealing with global warming. Our findings suggest that the SPS is the most effective alternative power generation technology.

Environmental equipment cost analysis: optimum size of a biocoal briquette machine

For developing countries that consume coal as their primary energy source, the method of desulfurization is a major issue. We installed experimental biocoal briquette production machines as a simple, inexpensive technology for desulfurization in China. Biocoal briquettes are a high-pressured mixture of powdered coal and biomass, with powdered lime added as a desulfurizer. In order to spread the use of these machines, it is important to consider the market size and with that knowledge determine the size of biocoal briquette machines. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the optimum size of biocoal briquette machines. There are two principal effects of economies of scale that need to be considered when evaluating briquette machine size with respect to market size. One effect is that the average marginal briquette cost decreases as the machine size increases. The other consideration is the mass production effect of manufacturing a large number of machines. As a result, below a given market size we should manufacture more machines that have a capacity less than 15t/h, which is the optimum machine size for briquette cost.

Japan’s Economic Growth: Past and Present

Since the burst of the economic bubble in 1990, Japanese economic growth has been minimal, with an average GDP growth rate of less than 1 per cent in the 1990s. Japan’s recent economic performance contrasts with that achieved in earlier years: in the 1960s the GDP growth rate was around 10 per cent, but it declined to 4 per cent in the 1970s and 1980s, and to 1 per cent in the 1990s. (Figure 2.1).

The life cycle CO 2 emission performance of the DOE/NASA solar power satellite system

Solar power generation and, in particular, space solar power generation seem to be one of the most promising electric power generation technologies for reducing emissions of global warming gases (denoted collectively as CO/sub 2/ emissions below). Calculating the precise amount of net reduction in CO/sub 2/ emissions of a solar power system over other alternative power systems requires careful life cycle considerations. For example, emissions from a space solar system must include the emissions from consuming rocket fuel during the launching the satellites, and the emissions from the energy consumed while producing the solar panels. In this paper, we calculate the CO/sub 2/ emissions observed through the life cycle of a solar power satellite (SPS). This life cycle consists of the production of rocket fuel and solar panels and the construction of a Rectenna (power receiving antenna), satellite, and all other equipment listed in the Department of Energy/NASA reference system. The calculation also includes indirect CO/sub 2/ emissions that occur in various stages of production of these materials. Our baseline scenario shows that the life cycle CO/sub 2/ emissions for an SPS system per unit of energy generated are almost the same as the emissions for nuclear power systems and are much less than the life cycle emissions for LNG-fired and coal-fired power generation systems. Furthermore, our SPS-Breeder scenario, in which SPSs supply electricity for producing further SPS systems, shows significantly lower CO/sub 2/ emissions. As electrical power generation constitutes one fourth of Japans total CO/sub 2/ emissions, reducing emissions from electric power generation is one of the most important issues on Japans policy agenda for dealing with global warming. Our findings suggest that the SPS is the most effective alternative power generation technology.