Title: The role of efficiency in energy policy

Authors: Collins Ayoo

Addresses: Department of Economics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada

Abstract: Energy availability and use are issues of considerable concern in both developed and developing countries due to the rapid growth of energy demand relative to the available supplies, the uncertainty about the future supplies of energy, the high cost of energy to consumers, and global warming that is driven, largely, by greenhouse gas emissions that originate from activities related to the production and use of energy. Many nations have responded to these concerns by developing energy policies that are aimed at increasing the supplies of energy, developing alternative energy-conserving technologies, and improving the efficiency with which energy is used. This paper examines energy efficiency, its role in energy policy, and some specific measures that various countries are implementing to improve energy efficiency. Some of the criticisms that have been levelled against energy efficiency are evaluated and addressed and suggestions made to more effectively harness the potential of energy efficiency.

Keywords: energy efficiency; energy intensity; energy policy; sustainability; climate change; greenhouse gases; GHG emissions; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2016.079484

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2016 Vol.15 No.4, pp.423 - 449

Received: 06 Apr 2015
Accepted: 17 Oct 2015

Published online: 29 Sep 2016 *

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