Vicent Alcántara

Comparison of energy intensities in European Union countries. Results of a structural decomposition analysis

Abstract This work proposes an input–output structural decomposition analysis model to identify the sources of the differences in the energetic intensities of the European Union countries. Given an economic structure, a determined composition of the final demand and determined direct energy intensities by countries, the work studies to what extent these factors explain the difference in aggregate energy intensities that are observed for different European Union countries. On the basis of this information, indicators are constructed by sectors and countries that allow us to identify the role that each sector or country plays as an energy consumer. The results show that the aggregate/total energy differences in Europe are strongly influenced by the direct energy intensity effect and by the demand effect, without the different economic structures of the countries being an important factor in the explanation of these differences. The metallurgical and manufacturing products sectors are identified as the most intensive in the aggregate energy intensity.

Inequality of energy intensities across OECD countries: a note

Abstract This paper proposes the use of Theils second measure to analyze international energy intensity differences. This index allows differences to be broken down within and between groups of countries in a consistent manner. An analysis of OECD countries for the period 1971–1999 shows some basic points: first, the fall in energy intensities differences is attributable both to within-group and between-group inequality components; second, between-group inequalities are currently the main contributor to the whole inequality value; finally, a detailed exploration on within-group inequalities reveals the significant explanatory role played by EU-countries.

Energy intensity, CO2 emissions and the environmental Kuznets curve. The Spanish case

This article analyses the role of energy intensity and the relationship between CO2 emissions and primary energy in order to explain the evolution of CO2 emissions by unit of real GDP. It also distinguishes two different meanings of CO2 emissions Kuznets curve hypothesis: the weak and the strong sense. It considers the case of Spain in the period 1972–1997 as an example in which there is not any evidence supporting this hypothesis in either sense.

Energy and CO2 emissions in Spain : Methodology of analysis and some results for 1980-1990

The article presents a methodology for estimating energy demand and carbon emissions generated by different uses of energy and for separating the different effects which explain the changes in energy demand and carbon emissions. In contrast with other analyses we do not try to distribute the energy demand in terms of final consumption but in terms of primary energy requirements and we do not consider the energy sector as an economic sector. The methodology consists of finding a vector which for any unit of commercial energy (such as electricity, petroleum products, gas) gives the requirements of the different primary energy sources. The article applies the methodology to the case of Spain for the period from 1980 to 1990.

Key sectors in final energy consumption: an input-output application to the Spanish case

Abstract In this paper we analyze the determination of “key” sectors in the final energy consumption. We approach this issue from an input–output perspective and we design a methodology based on the elasticities of the demands of final energy consumption. As an exercise, we apply the proposed methodology to the Spanish economy. The analysis allows us to indicate the greater or lesser relevance of the different sectors in the consumption of final energy, pointing out which sectors deserve greater attention in the Spanish case and showing the implications for energy policy.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND ECONOMIC STRUCTURE IN URUGUAY

Using input–output analysis, we identify the key sectors in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the Uruguayan economy. The responsibilities of each sector in terms of its emissions are decomposed into an own component, generated during the activities of the sector, and an indirect component, generated by the induced activities in other sectors. This has important implications for the design of mitigation polices, as the appropriate policy measures are contingent on the nature of the pollution. Technical improvements and best practices are effective only when applied to directly polluting sectors, while demand policies may be more appropriate for indirectly polluting sectors. In addition, we analyze pollution generated during the production of exports. The results show that demand policies are going to be effective in the Building, the Hotel and restaurants, and the Wholesale and retail trade; and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sectors. These policies complement GHG emissions’ mitigation policies in directly polluting sectors (mainly the Cattle farming and the transport-related sectors). Finally, methane and nitrous oxide emissions are mainly the consequence of production for exports, while carbon dioxide emissions are mainly driven by production for domestic consumption.