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This study investigates the effects of several contextual variables, including renewable energy intensity, capital stock per labor, natural resource rent, the share of imported energy in total energy consumption, the ratio of carbon emissions to GDP, population, and energy production on energy efficiency in EU countries. While Tobit regression is used to examine the effects of contextual variables on energy efficiency, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Slack-Based Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are used to calculate energy efficiency values of countries. Four different Tobit regression models are estimated as a function of the censored value for the energy efficiency series. The results show that renewable energy intensity, the ratio of carbon emissions to GDP, and population size have negative effects on energy efficiency. In contrast, regardless of the efficiency level, the share of imported energy in total energy consumption, total energy production, capital stock per labor, and technological progress have positive effects on energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current EU regulatory framework is forcing the need for a substantial and significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in all the main economic sectors since climate change effects have been more tangible in recent years. The adoption of actions and measures to reduce CO2 emissions are thus essential for preventing global warming. For this reason, a simplified bottomup approach is presented here to estimate the potential environmental benefit achievable, in terms of CO2 emissions saving, when a set of proposed energy efficiency measures were adopted in relevant economic sectors of the UNESCO area of Vineyard Landscape in Piedmont Region in Italy. Specifically, representative case studies were assumed for each economic sector being studied to identify the energy efficiency measures to be adopted. Then, progressive scenarios with different territorial diffusion of the proposed measures were performed. The analysis shows that a CO2 emission reduction from 7.1% to 32.4% can be potentially obtained by considering different diffusion pathways of the identified energy efficiency measures in the residential, accommodation, private transport, and food industry sectors, so that the UNESCO area can effectively contribute to contrast global warming. The proposed simplified approach can be replicated in other similar context to obtain rough estimation of emission savings due to territorial diffusion of energy efficiency measures considering available regional and local databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing energy efficiency is important for sustainable economic development and environmental-related issues such as carbon emissions. Therefore, measuring energy efficiency is crucial for countries to achieve economic and environmental objectives. In this study, we utilize the TOPSIS method with the intent of monitoring the energy efficiency of Turkey from the 1980 to 2018 period. Several variables such as renewable and nonrenewable energy consumption, GDP, labor force, and capital stock are employed in calculating energy efficiency scores. Thereafter, we analyze the long-term, symmetric and asymmetric effects of some contextual variables such as capital stock-labor force ratio, renewable energy consumption-total energy consumption ratio, and carbon emission-total energy consumption ratio on energy efficiency via ARDL and nonlinear ARDL models. Results from the linear model indicate that an increase in the renewable energy consumption-total energy consumption ratio and capital stock-labor force ratio increase the energy efficiency. In contrast, an increase in the carbon emission-total energy consumption ratio decreases it. The nonlinear ARDL model, on the other hand, signals asymmetric effects in the long-run but not in the short-run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial agglomeration (FA) may play an essential role in enhancing energy efficiency (EE) and, thus, is important from both theoretical and empirical viewpoints. However, few studies have investigated the causal nonlinear relationship between FA and EE. Hence, we first extend the novel ray slacks-based measure with global technology to evaluate the urban EE in China during 2003–2018. Next, we reexamine the nonlinear causality of FA on EE and then explore the underlying impact mechanism. The empirical results show that China's urban EE is generally relatively low with distinct patterns of regional differences. Moreover, we find that the causal relationship between FA and EE follows an inverted U-shaped function rather than a linear one. FA promotes the improvement of EE only up to a certain threshold point, after which it reverses into an inhibitory effect. A further analysis based on the two-regime spatial Durbin panel model suggests that FA can indeed improve the EE of surrounding cities through positive externalities when the degree of FA in focal cities is not substantially greater than that in surrounding cities. However, when financial resources absorbed in certain focal cities become increasingly higher than that in most surrounding cities, the positive spillover effect would gradually disappear and even reverse into an undesirable siphon, thereby inhibiting the improvement of overall EE. These findings provide new insights for understanding the role of FA in sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency factors in building codes and standards are crucial components that are prescribed to buildings to augment their energy efficiency. The objective of this study was to prioritize these vital energy efficiency factors. The present study derives its motivation from energy design and execution professionals, who face the challenge of selecting certain energy factors that may result in a trade-off over other factors. A fuzzy set theory with a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology was employed to obtain the results. A ranked list of prioritized energy efficiency factors is one of the key contributions of this research. We demonstrate that energy efficiency factors can be evaluated according to the degree of their importance. Based on the results, it was concluded that outdoor and indoor climatic conditions, air conditioning systems, orientation of buildings, and ventilation are the four most significant and highest-ranked factors that affect the energy efficiency of a building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the productivity of energy efficiency (EE) measures taken at the regional level employing a set of non-parametric statistical methods. The first aspect is investigating the impact of various energy efficiency measures. A high proportion of the population lives in apartment buildings, with limited opportunities to manage their own energy efficiency. The second research aspect of this paper is the study of the effectiveness of various energy efficiency measures in the context of low energy prices. Our analysis indicates that only two tools exert a long-term positive effect on reducing the economy's energy intensity for all regions. This is the use of combined heat sources in large cities and implementing ISO 50001 in large companies. These two energy efficiency measures work even under low energy prices, which do not sufficiently stimulate the introduction of innovative energy-saving technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of regional industry in China has become one of the significant factors affecting energy efficiency. This paper combined the industry agglomeration theory and the improved Stochastic Impacts model to explore the impact mechanism of producer service industry agglomeration on energy efficiency. We applied spatial econometric model to estimate the spatial effects of the agglomeration on energy efficiency with panel data of 31 provinces from 2008 to 2017 in China. The results showed that China's inter-provincial energy efficiency has a significant spatial spillover effect. Simultaneously, the specialized agglomeration and diversified agglomeration of producer services have a "U"-shaped effect on energy efficiency. Finally, we need to pay attention to the coordination and synchronization of the specialized agglomeration and diversified agglomeration of the producer service industry. An increase in the relative gap between the two can inhibit energy efficiency, but its inhibitory effect gradually weakened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of the double skin facades on the annual cooling energy consumption of buildings in a hot-humid climate. DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus software are utilized as simulation tools to study the airflow and the energy performance of different design scenarios of an office building with a double skin façade in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The results are evaluated and compared to each other, as well as with conventional curtain wall façade systems which are used as a benchmark for the simulation. Results show variations in the energy performance amongst the investigated double skin facades types according to the construction characteristics and the width of the air cavity. In general, with a naturally ventilated air cavity, the double-skin façade system shows a potential reduction in the annual cooling energy consumption of 22% compared to the benchmark. Incorporating mechanical ventilation to the air cavity can potentially reduce the building's annual cooling energy consumption by 32%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the marginal welfare gain of adopting higher energy efficiency after another efficiency measure has already been installed. For example, how does installing stringent thermal insulation influence energy efficiency investment decisions thereafter? A mathematical model that embeds a welfare-maximizing household in a building energy model is employed. Four archetypical households across Saudi Arabia and two electricity pricing schemes are chosen for this illustration. The households exhibit diverse socioeconomic attributes and live in regions with varying physical characteristics. Key findings include: Investing in more stringent thermal insulation after already installing more efficient air conditioners reduce welfare, but not necessarily vice versa. Under both electricity pricing schemes, welfare is lowered when households reduce infiltration after installing more stringent thermal insulation. Comparatively, welfare gains are made for all other preexisting efficiency cases. In western Saudi Arabia, variability in welfare between marginal investment decisions are low relative to those in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a spatial Durbin error model (SDEM) approach to analyze adoption trends for residential energy-efficiency measures (EEMs) in New York state. Model results are based on socioeconomic, building, and household demographic characteristics during the 2012–2016 period. Our study's results confirm that a positive correlation exists between EEM uptake and multifamily buildings, gas-heated homes, education effects, and spatial spillover effects among neighboring ZIP codes. The results show that building attributes hold a relatively high explanatory power over EEM adoption compared with socioeconomic characteristics. Our results show that energy-efficiency policies can create positive and significant neighborly effects in promoting EEM adoption. The developed SDEM methodological framework provides useful insights in identifying energy-efficiency opportunities that exist in rural, suburban, and urban communities, highlighting the need to review policy incentives periodically to address underlying changes in the built environment and spatial disparities in energy-efficiency investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the possibility of substantially reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) in the Mexican industrial sector by applying a Low-carbon (LC) scenario, through a period of 25 years, composed by a set of mitigation options that involve the use of energy efficiency, materials recycling, cogeneration and renewable energy. Results reveal that a GHG peak of 226 million tons of equivalent CO2 could be reached by 2030 with a GHG reduction of 26.5%, compared to a Base scenario, demonstrating that the LC scenario could exceed Mexico's Nationally Determined Contributions objective of reducing 19% of its industrial sector GHG by 2030. Additionally, GHG reduction of 47% could be achieved by 2035. Finally, the economic viability of the LC scenario was evaluated using a cost-benefit approach. As a result, economic benefits above $24,000 million dollars could be achieved due the energy savings generated are greater than costs to implement the mitigation options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to provide new insights on (i) the drivers of changes in final energy consumption in Italy over the period from 1995 to 2015 by employing a multi-sectoral decomposition analysis approach – Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index I (LMDI-I); and (ii) the progress of Italy toward the indicative energy efficiency and mandatory energy-saving targets set for 2020. The decomposition results show that from 1995 to 2015, an increase in final energy consumption caused by activity effects has been almost totally offset by structural changes. Energy intensity improvements occurred during the period from 2006 to 2015 when most of the energy efficiency policies in Italy were implemented. However, unlike the ex ante estimates of energy savings reported by the Italian government, the LMDI-I analysis shows that Italy is not on track to achieve the 2020 energy efficiency and energy-saving targets. Challenges and opportunities in policymaking are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty is a multidimensional issue, and this means that it is difficult to understand the different levels of vulnerability to this phenomenon and its relationship with households' quality of life. This paper presents the validation of an innovative index for the analysis of vulnerability to energy poverty according to monetary, energy, and thermal comfort factors: The Index of Vulnerable Homes (IVH). The IVH goes beyond the use of single self-reported indicators of thermal comfort, and instead uses the adaptive thermal-comfort model defined in the normative UNE EN 15251:2007 to assess thermal comfort in relation to energy poverty. Furthermore, it has the potential to evaluate the societal impacts of current energy poverty policies by providing the economic analysis of different situations of vulnerability. The IVH is validated by comparing its results to those obtained from a survey conducted in a small-scale study undertaken in Salford, UK. To this end, evidence from households living in terraced houses built before 1980 is used to analyze health status in terms of vulnerability to energy poverty vulnerability according to their monetary situation and the characteristics of the dwelling. In the end, the results show good agreement between both the IVH's assessment and households' evidence, leading to consider the IVH as a suitable approach to understanding different levels of vulnerability to energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide an overview of the existing financial instruments and successful schemes focused on facilitating the implementation of energy efficiency-related measures, in the context of addressing the problem of energy poverty, along with its adverse socio-economic effects. To this end, the paper presents the challenges and limitations that are associated with each financial instrument, and potential beneficiaries may face upon joining the program. The paper uses the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis for drawing results about the perspectives of the engaged financial instruments. Finally, the paper, drawing form the said analysis, provides policy recommendations on a) how these limitations should be addressed, in order to better target the roots of the problem and b) how the social dimension of energy poverty could be integrated into the future policymaking processes. The results stemming from the analysis are encouraging, indicating the strengths of the proposed financial instruments, while also highlighting future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional investment institutions lack the technical understanding of the essence of energy efficiency investments. This often creates a lack of trust to such investments, which acts as a barrier to including energy efficiency projects in the investment portfolio, even though such investments are often robust and have a guaranteed return. Mainstreaming energy efficiency finance remains still a challenge. This paper proposes a decision support framework for identifying “Triple-A” energy efficiency investments, aiming to reduce the respective time and effort required at the early stage of the project conceptualization as well as increase transparency and efficiency of decision making. The “Triple-A” investments are the ones that successfully pass the proposed three-step approach, namely Assess - Agree - Assign. By elaborating a meta-analysis on the De-risking Energy Efficiency Platform available data, first insights from the adoption of such an approach are derived. Moreover, future directions are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a methodological approach for incorporating household consumption characteristics and investment choices into energy efficiency policy models. The approach used is based on country-level stated preferences survey for evaluating consumer decisions and attitudes toward energy efficiency. The decision-making process was analyzed and modeled with logistic regression and applied onto the existing single-family housing stock. By applying the described framework, policymakers, or any other subsidy providing authority aiming to reach specific energy savings target, can obtain the distribution of financial incentives among different income classes. The developed model provides a framework for cost minimization and energy saving maximization. The model provides the minimal level of subsidies needed to achieve energy savings goals or maximum level of energy savings possible with a predefined budget for energy subsidies. The model accounts for consumer disaggregation and all results are provided per expenditure groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study revisits the dynamic causality in energy production and real output growth in Nigeria. The imperative of energy production in stimulating output growth is generally well documented and appreciated. Thus, the significance of energy as a driving force for economic growth and development is undisputed. The current study adopts the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test methodology developed by Pesaran et al. (2001) with the modified Granger causality test within the framework of an Unrestricted Vector Autoregressive model. Estimation covers the recent time period between 1971 and 2013. The results show the absence of long-run cointergration relationship in the model. The modified causality test validates the neutral hypothesis for Nigeria. Hence, Nigeria can commit to sustainable energy conservation with emphasis on energy efficiency without hurting the real output growth in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ventilation mill for grinding coal is one of the main steam power plants in the system that makes a significant effect on the level of energy efficiency with its work. The aim of this paper is to increase the energy efficiency of thermo power plant Kostolac B by reducing the problem of wear in ventilation mill for coal grinding. The idea of this research is to investigate the optimum hardfacing technologies to increase wear resistance of impact plates in ventilation mill. Before applying hardfacing on impact plates in the exploitation conditions, it is necessary to model test hardfaced samples for determination of the optimal technology and filler material for revitalization. The relative weight loss of the impact plates after 1440 h period of exploitation in real conditions is very small, 5–8%. The application of this approach can reduce the number of possible repairs and extends the period between them, resulting in significant economic effects. Before and after revitalization of ventilation mill is conducted analyzing of failure during the working period. In this paper, we present time of repair of ventilation mills number 22, 23, 24 and 25, the number of repairs before and after revitalization and cost of repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Over the last 20 years, economy of Chile grew faster than any other country in South America, thanks to its rigorous economic and political systems and its integration to the global economy. Nonetheless, Chile faces the continuing challenge of finding additional energy supplies to support its economic growth. The country has almost no fossil fuel resources and depends heavily on external sources that accounts for around 60% of its energy needs. However, this may change in the near future, as Chile has started developing its huge potential of sustainable energy sources. This paper examines strategically important energy alternatives for Chile, including energy efficiency (EE) programs, large hydro projects, renewable energy, and nuclear power, focusing on recent developments and remaining challenges. It also gives some recommendations providing alternatives to remove the obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years, man has become more aware of the fact that today’s approach to energy saving is unsustainable. It is believed that in the near future, biomass will increasingly become of interest as one of the most promising renewable energy sources. The paper describes one example of the use of biomass (corn cob) in the process of production of thermal energy, i.e. in the process of seedcorn drying. The purpose of the investigations reported in the paper was to define the use of corn cob as a fuel to increase energy efficiency. Additionally, energy efficiency was explained through hourly consumption of corn cob in thermogens, which was further compared with consumption of conventional fuels (natural gas). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

India, being one of the fastest-growing economiess in recent times, has witnessed a rise in energy consumption with associated implications on energy availability and energy security. The country recognizes these challenges and has accelerated its efforts with varied degree of success by initiating various programs, policies, and required institutional arrangements to ameliorate these challenges. This paper attempts to review the development of nation’s policy programs to trace the progress so far, in terms of energy efficiency and conservation. Energy being a cross-sectoral issue has been dealt with holistically in this paper, with special reference to the policy instruments that have been instrumental in realizing the energy-saving potential and in integrating renewable energy in building sector. Further, an attempt is made to draw the success/failure with respect to various policies and programs, along with a detailed analysis of various missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to predict interactions among the world energy use efficiency, world GDP per capita, and world energy price via developing VAR models. There exist significantly causal interactions among these variables up to lag three, which are explained between 78% and 99% determination ratios within the estimated restricted VAR models. The current use of world energy is found to be positively dependable on earlier years’ energy uses and so inefficiency in world’s energy use. Increases in earlier years’ world GDP per capita are found to increase the efficiency of world energy use. Both last years’ GDP per capita and world energy uses are found to increase in the current year’s world GDP per capita, and both last years’ GDP per capita and energy prices are found to increase in current year’s energy prices in cumulative terms. The interactions among the variables are validated by unit root tests for the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the key findings of a planning and design project aimed at building the first Taiwanese LC community in Pinglin District, where there has been long-term conflict over the Feitsui Reservoir Watershed protected area. The study shows that to sustain and maintain a carbon-neutral community in the future, a clear and systemic mechanism of transparent measurement, communication, and profit management is required. The authors are also aware and strongly emphasize that the success of the planning process and outcomes will depend on building trust and niche initiatives that are appropriate and relevant within a 3R management system – reduce, renewable, and recheck. Taking this approach will help contribute to a financially successful and eco-friendly project. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Most household electronic products and office equipment circuitry are operated internally at a low direct current (DC) voltage. However, they are designed to be plugged directly into wall outlets with alternating current (AC). AC to DC conversion is performed by devices called DC power supplies. Energy efficiency is a serious concern for most electrical and electronic appliances that require power supplies to operate. The majority of end users consume excess energy because of inefficient, bulky, and outdated power supply systems. A great gap exists in studies on energy saving in power supply design and selection. This article presents an overview of power supply energy consumption patterns and the effects of different operation modes on overall system power consumption. Recommendations for achieving an efficient energy system are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the authors present an example of an agricultural farm that produces wheat corn, soya, and other plants. After harvesting granular products, large amounts of plant remains (biomass) are used as biofuel at the boiler in order to heat the agricultural farm. We present the results of research of energetic characteristics and boiler efficiency of thermal power of 750 kW that serves for farm heating. At the boiler biomass is burned and the boiler is adapted for burning dead animals and other remains using liquid petroleum gas) as additional fuel. Biomass that is used as biofuel is wheat or soya straw. Using the straw as an alternative biofuel significant cuts are achieved on conventional fuel LPG. The annual expense of soya straw is 1,700 tons, from an area of 565 ha, or 1,970tons of wheat straw from an area of 660 ha. Expenses of gathering, transport and storage are approximately 0.021 €/kg. Economic validity of using biomass as an energent had been proven by the fact that using straw is six times cheaper than using LPG. The ecological significance of using the biomass is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study analyzes energy efficiency trends in German and Colombian non-energy intensive sectors using data envelopment analysis (DEA) between 1998 and 2005. The results of the DEA show considerable variation in energy efficiency across non-energy intensive sectors during the sample period. At a second stage, regression analysis using panel data analysis reveals that several factors, including labor productivity, enterprise size, and capital input can be considered determinants of differences in energy efficiency among German and Colombian non-energy intensive sectors. Our results also show that different energy policies should apply in non-energy intensive sectors and that they should encourage the importance of energy efficiency in order to improve it, especially in small and medium enterprises and the industrial sector of developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is a need to ensure efficient utilization and diversification of energy sources while minimizing its waste. The electrical energy consumption in Malaysia has increased sharply in the past few years, and modern energy-efficient technologies are desperately needed for the national energy policy. The development of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems is essential to ensure smooth operation of any energy system. This article outlines the present status of energy utilization in Malaysia and introduces the SCADA system as one of the promising energy management tools for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is employed to study the comparative performance of German and Colombian energy-intensive sectors between 1998 and 2005. The results of the DEA indicate that the great majority of energy-intensive sectors improved on this index during the sample period, demonstrating that energy input is an important variable within the production structure and a key element in technology development. At a second stage, regression analysis using panel data analysis reveals that several factors, including labor productivity, the share of electricity, investments and enterprise size can be considered determinants of differences in energy efficiency among German and Colombian energy-intensive sectors. Our results also show that different energy policies should apply, and that they should encourage the importance of energy efficiency in order to achieve a sustainable economic development and climate stabilization today and in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The scarcity of fossil fuel to supply the high growth in energy demand in the selected Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is leading to the concern about future electricity supply. The effect of the high fossil fuel price on the global market would lead to limitation in economic development in this region. In 2007, most countries in the selected GMS, namely Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, used abundant fossil fuels in electricity generation. Fossil fuels used in power generation accounted for 90%, 85%, 60%, and 1.5% in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, respectively. This study includes the integrated resource planning (IRP) concept into the long-term power planning. IRP is the most appropriate approach that applied to both demand and supply sides. To curb the high growth in electricity demand, the demand-side management options are taken into account. To reduce the high dependency on imported fossil fuel, the domestic renewable energy resources and reduction in transmission and distribution losses are introduced. Results of this study were analyzed by using the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning system model. Results reveal that under the IRP concept, the selected GMS countries could save the installed power capacity of 5,780 MW by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Energy dependency (ED) is the energy import level upon which an economy relies in order to meet its energy needs. ED is calculated by dividing net imports by the sum of gross inland energy consumption plus bunkers. This study aims to obtain performance scores to evaluate of Turkey's ED based on basic energy indicators (Model 1), sectoral energy consumption (Model 2), and primary energy production as sources (Model 3) by using data envelopment analysis. The performance evaluation of 25 European Union member states, Norway, Switzerland, Croatia, and Turkey, a candidate country, was performed in order to draw up a good energy policy in the future for Turkey. Since the data on Malta and Cyprus were incomplete, these two nations were excluded from the evaluation. The data set covers the years between 1998 and 2006 and energy indicators used in the analysis were taken from Eurostat for all countries. The Results of the analysis show that Turkey's most important goal for the future is to produce proper energy policies in order to decrease ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan has set a target of reducing its carbon emissions to the 2000 level by 2025. At that time, over 20% of the electricity will be generated from low-carbon energy sources. The objectives of this article are to give a comprehensive analysis of the energy consumption and CO2emissions in Taiwan, and the governmental policies and regulatory infrastructure for shifting to a low-carbon society. This article thus centers on feasible solutions with renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear power. The updated information on renewable energy production and energy intensity is also addressed and analyzed to imply the progress towards energy sustainability during 2000–2009. Notably, the total amount of electricity generation from wind and photovoltaic (PV) power significantly increased from 1,503 MWh in 2000 to 794,668 MWh in 2009. The energy intensity also is revealed to be on a decreasing trend during the period. This country is advancing toward a low-carbon economy in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a candidate country for the European Union (EU), Turkey should make significant strategy plans about the consumption and production of basic energy sources. In this study, a performance evaluation of 25 member states of the EU, Norway, Croatia, Switzerland, and Turkey regarding energy consumption was conducted employing data envelopment analysis in order to draw up a good future energy policy. Since the data on Malta and Cyprus were incomplete, these two nations were excluded from the evaluation. The data set covers the period between 1998 and 2006 and energy indicators used in the analysis were taken from the EUROSAT for all selected countries. Results of th analysis show that Turkey's most important goal for the future is to produce proper energy policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a performance evaluation of 25 member states of the European Union, Norway, Croatia, Switzerland, and Turkey (a candidate country), regarding energy consumption was conducted. A nonparametric approach based on data envelopment analysis and Malmquist Index is proposed as an alternative to the classic methods. The data set covers the years between 1998 and 2006 and energy indicators used in the analysis are taken from the EUROSAT for all countries. Results of analysis show that Turkey should make significant strategy plans about consumption and production of basic energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power has had a striking development in recent years. However, advanced materials and technology for manufacturing wind turbines are necessary but usually unavailable in a developing country like Taiwan. In such a case, the consumption of transportation energy, especially an international one, cannot be ignored while the energy efficiency of wind power systems is surveyed. Based on our analysis, three demonstration wind systems in Taiwan, Mailiao, Jhongtun, and Chunfong, were analyzed to examine how the consumption of transportation energy affects the energy return on investment (EROI) and CO2emission for wind energy. We have found the EROI loss increases while the transportation energy consumption is considered. Notably, the transportation of mega wind turbines leads to more CO2emission. Moreover, wind turbines in small load capacities have less transportation energy ratio, while mega turbines consume disproportionately more transportation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an energy performance evaluation of 25 member states of the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Croatia, and Turkey, a candidate country, regarding sectoral energy consumption was conducted by using data envelopment analysis in order to allow us to draw up a good energy policy in the future. Since the data on Malta and Cyprus was incomplete, these two nations were excluded from the evaluation. The data set covers the years between 1998 and 2006 and energy indicators used in the analysis are taken from the European Statistical System (EUROSTAT) for all countries. Results of the analysis show that Turkey's most important goal for the future is to produce proper sectoral energy policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy consumption growth has recently been higher than economic growth in Taiwan, worsening energy efficiency. This article utilizes the momentum-threshold autoregressive cointegration method to examine the long-run equilibrium relationship between economic growth and energy consumption growth, particularly focusing on the most energy-consuming sectors in Taiwan. Allowing for a threshold effect sheds new light on the explanation of the non-linear characteristics of the energy-growth link. The results indicate that economic growth is non-linearly cointegrated with energy consumption when the asymmetric adjusting behavior is confirmed. Specifically, we find that the deviations adjust persistently toward equilibrium in a relative energy efficiency regime for the aggregate-level, while for the sector level in a relative energy inefficiency regime. The government authority should conduct effective energy demand-side management to improve energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we deviate from neoclassical assumptions of fully competitive energy markets and represent a more realistic oligopolistic market, given the reconsolidation tendencies of energy companies. We focus on policies for energy efficiency improvement for electricity suppliers, namely on white certificates. The behavior of each supplier is based on a detailed decision tree, which determines the optimal move given the expectation on the competitor's behavior. According to our preliminary findings, the introduction of white certificate obligations should encompass larger increases in the electricity prices. In order to test our theoretical findings we make use of a typical oligopolistic market in Italy, where we depict that a leader company can serve the main part of electricity and energy efficiency projects, through financing them with white certificates, while the residual demand is more expensive and must be covered at a high cost from follower companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy consumption depends mainly on the available amounts of local resources, which are closely connected with the present rural economy and living standards. Recently, there has been increasing interest in using energy and exergy modeling techniques for energy utilization assessments in order to attain energy savings, and hence financial savings. The energy utilization of a country can be evaluated using exergy analysis to gain insights into its efficiency. The present study, consisting of two parts, deals with analyzing the energy utilization efficiency of renewable energy resources (RERs). Part 1 uses energy analysis method, while exergy analysis method is applied to Part 2. In the analysis, Turkey with a projected population of 76,840,418 in 2010, is given as an illustrative example. RERs considered are residential-commercial and industrial subsectors used in the Turkish conversion. The energy efficiency values for Turkey's RERs are projected to be 60.99% in 2010. Besides this, total energy utilization efficiency values for those are expected to be 49.85% in the same year. The present study has clearly indicated the necessity of the planned studies towards increasing renewable energy utilization efficiency in the sub-sectors studied and especially the critical role of policymakers in establishing effective energy-efficiency delivery mechanisms throughout the country. It is also expected that this study will fill a considerably large gap since it is the first attempt towards analyzing Turkey's RERs in 2010 in terms of energy utilization efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strongest recommendation stemming from the Air Pollution Prevention forum of the Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP) was for tribes to develop and implement energy plans. This article provides a discussion of the benefits of any such plan and itemizes a variety of components of any said plan. A brief discussion of the WRAP is presented within the framework of improving air quality. Based on the background of Jacobs (2000) and Smith (2000), the primary and secondary benefits of energy efficiency plans are then discussed. Then a series of specific recommendations are itemized. These include tribally-sponsored programs, collaborative opportunities, and tribal leadership programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]