Showing papers on "Energy market published in 1992"

Commercial energy efficiency and the environment

Abstract: The production and use of energy create serious, extensive environmental affects at every level, in every country, argue the authors. That impact may be more serious in developing than in developed countries as developing countries depend more on natural resources and lack the economic strength to withstand environmental consequences. At the same time, a reliable energy supply is vital to economic growth and development. Energy consumption and economic growth have been somewhat delinked at high income levels, but increased energy consumption (especially of electricity) is inevitable with higher GDP. Greater energy efficiency in developing countries and Eastern Europe is a high-priority way to mitigate the harm to the environment of growing energy consumption, say the authors. They outline four advantages of greater energy efficiency. It requires measures that are in the economic self-interest of those regions. Political obstacles make these measures difficult, but there are well-established techniques for addressing concerns about low-income consumers (such as direct income support or life-line rates). It will help conserve the world supply of nonrenewable (especially fossil) fuels. It will encourage appropriate fuel switching. It addresses every level of concern, up to the global effects of global warming. Any strategy to make energy use and production more efficient must rely more extensively than before on markets that are allowed to function with less government interference. The crucial components of such a straetegy (also crucial to economic development generally) are: more domestic and external competition; the gradual elimination of energy pricing distortions; the reduction of macroeconomic and sectoral distortions (for example, in foreign exchange and credit markets); the reform of energy supply enterprises - reducing state interference, providing more financial autonomy and a greater role for the private sector; consumer incentives to select more efficient lights, space heating, and so on. The authors are not convinced of the need for nonmarket approaches beyond those geared to correct externalities, provide essential information, support basic research and development, and possibly promote pilot projects. They also conclude that a government is far more likely to take action to reduce an environmental externality if it captures benefits within its own national boundaries that exceed the cost of the action. Reducing the large difference between energy prices and economic costs in developing countries and Eastern Europe is a more immediate issue than carbon taxes. The developed countries, say the authors, have an indispensable role to play in improving energy efficiency in the developing countries and Eastern Europe. They can encourage the flow of efficient technology, they can increase conventional aid, and they must accept a greater share of the burden of protecting the global commonalities.

The German Coal Market After 1992

Abstract: On January 1, 1993 the Single European Internal Market (SEIM) will come into effect1. As discussed by the working document "The Internal Market for Energy," presented in 1988 (Commission of the European Communities, ed. 1988), the energy market is a vital part of this integration process. The SEIM will have severe consequences for the German hard coal industry, one of the most densely regulated and subsidized sectors of the German economy. In 1991, for example, subsidies reached more than DM 11 billion2. Meanwhile, the industry faces additional though closely linked difficulties: (i) high production costs will continue to translate into low competitiveness; (ii) strategies to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions will make subsidies to this sector increasingly less justifiable. Thus, German coal is facing an especially bleak future. To evaluate German coal's future after 1992 in detail, it is not sufficient, however, to study only its supply conditions. As a primary energy product, coal can be converted into other forms of energy, i.e. electricity, or used in the production of industrial raw materials. A look at the

Energy market failure in the road transport sector: is there scope for '.

Abstract: The Australian Government Policy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions announced in 1990 includes exploring the scope for immediate, low cost reductions. Such measures can be taken as including 'no regrets' policies: those that, in addition to mitigating climate change, confer economic gains (including other environmental benefits) which exceed their costs. Some possible 'no regrets' opportunities and policies are identified relevant to energy use by the road transport sector over the period to 2020. The MARKAL-MENSA multi-period linear programming model of the Australian energy sector is used to investigate the cost- effectiveness of these policies. (A) For the covering entry of this conference, see IRRD abstract number 849214.

Energy market failure in the road transport sector: is there scope for 'no regrets' greenhouse gas reduction?

Abstract: The Australian Government Policy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions announced in 1990 includes exploring the scope for immediate, low cost reductions. Such measures can be taken as including 'no regrets' policies: those that, in addition to mitigating climate change, confer economic gains (including other environmental benefits) which exceed their costs. Some possible 'no regrets' opportunities and policies are identified relevant to energy use by the road transport sector over the period to 2020. The MARKAL-MENSA multi-period linear programming model of the Australian energy sector is used to investigate the cost- effectiveness of these policies. (A) For the covering entry of this conference, see IRRD abstract number 849214.

Overview of the Geothermal Energy Program Review X: Geothermal Energy and the Utility Market - The Opportunities and Challenges for Expanding Geothermal Energy in a Competitive Supply Market

Abstract: This overview at the Geothermal Program Review X: Geothermal Energy and the Utility Market consisted of five presentations: ''Technology Advancements to Support Growth in Geothermal Power Sales in a Dynamic Utility Market'' by John E. Mock; ''Geothermal Energy Market in Southern California: Past, Present and Future'' by Vikram Budraja; ''Taking the High Ground: Geothermal's Place in the Revolving Energy Market'' by Richard Jaros; ''Recent Developments in Japan's Hot Dry Rock Program'' by Tsutomu Yamaguchi; and ''Options in the Eleventh Year for Interim Standard Offer Number Four Contracts'' by Thomas C. Hinrichs.