Showing papers on "Energy policy published in 1992"

A System Dynamics Model for National Energy Policy Planning

Abstract: The U.S. energy system has been the subject of intense national interest and policy debate over the past two decades. During that time the U.S. has experienced a steady trend toward increased oil imports, two major oil embargoes, oil price shocks, and a series of government policy initiatives designed to reduce its vulnerability to oil supply disruptions: Project Independence, the National Energy Plan, and more recently oil and gas price deregulation.

Analysis of Unilateral CO2 Control in the European Community and OECD

Abstract: Whalley and Wigle (1991b) use a static, six-region, perfect competition, general equilibrium model to explore various global carbon tax policies designed to cut CO2 emissions. Their program is used here to model unilateral carbon taxes applied by large regions such as the EC or the OECD. Sample model results suggest that a 20% unilateral cut in EC carbon-based energy consumption achieves a 0.7% cut in world consumption in equilibrium; the ECs production of energy-intensive goods falls by 8.3%; but EC welfare is hardly changed, thanks to a shift in consumption towards nonenergy-intensive goods and to cheaper carbon-based energy imports. Unilateral action, even by large economies, therefore seems to be environmentally ineffective but economically neutral overall. However, international leadership effects or induced technical progress might change these conclusions. Also, Perroni and Rutherford (1991) find less extreme results for similar policies, probably because they model world energy markets very differently.

An analysis of the cost effectiveness of U.S. energy policies to mitigate global warming

Abstract: The issue of global warming has sparked debate among scientists and policymakers over the past two years. Many studies have been undertaken in the U.S. and other nations to determine the potential severity of global climate change and appropriate policy responses. The U.S. Department of Energy is now conducting one such study of energy technology and policy options to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The study attempts to assess the emissions reduction potential and costs of several policies, using the FOSSIL2 integrated energy model. This article focuses on the preliminary results of a subset of eight policy cases. It discusses the modeling methodology, the formulation of these policies, draft results, and some policy insights.

MARKAL-MACRO: An overview

Abstract: MARKAL-MACRO is an experiment in model linkage. This new tool is intended as an improvement over existing methods for energy policy assessment. It is designed specifically for estimating the costs and analyzing alternative technologies and policies proposed for reducing environmental risks such as global climate change or regional air pollution. The greenhouse gas debate illustrates the usefulness of linked energy-economy models. A central issue is the coupling between economic growth, the level of energy demands, and the evolution of an energy system to supply these demands. The debate is often connected with alternative modeling approaches. The competing philosophies may be labeled [open quotes]top-down macroeconomic[close quotes] and [open quotes]bottom-up engineering[close quotes] perspectives. Do macroeconomic models, with their descriptions of effects within the total economy but few technical details on the energy system, tend to overestimate future energy demands Conversely, do engineering models, ignoring feedbacks to the general economy and non-technical market factors but containing rich descriptions of technology options, tend to take too optimistic a view of conservation and the use of renewable energy sources Or is the principal difference that the engineering models ignore new sources of energy demands, and that the macroeconomic models ignore saturation effects for old categoriesmore » of demands An efficient modeling tool must have the scope and detail to match the width and depth of the policy problem being analyzed. In order to respond to major environmental risks (e.g., the possibility of global climate changes), there must be long-range, fundamental changes in the energy system. For an analysis of these changes and an understanding of their nature, the modeling tool must be able to capture the complex network of relations within the energy system, as well as the opportunities of new or improved technologies.« less

Nuclear power, energy policy and new politics in Sweden and Germany

Abstract: Over the last two decades new values, new social movements and green parties have become a common feature of most Western industrialised nations. Simultaneously, it has been claimed that these nations have reached the limits of growth. The two aspects are interrelated and can be spelled out in terms of the politicising of production. However, the degree to which production is politicised varies among nations. The literature in the field postulates that Sweden might be a country that departs from this productionist development. This article discusses this hypothesis by comparing (nuclear) energy policy on the one hand, and the attitudes to, and movements against nuclear energy in Sweden and Germany on the other. The analysis arrives at the conclusion that Germany is much more exposed to the politicising of production than is Sweden. These conclusions imply that new politics might have a greater chance of being institutionalised in Germany than in Sweden.

International energy economics

Abstract: Contributors. Preface. Introduction T. Sterner. Forecasting industrial energy use G.A. Boyd. Best-practice and average practice: technique choice and energy demand in a vintage model L. Hjalmarsson, F.R. Forsund. The effects of changes in the economic structure on energy demand in the Soviet Union and the United States of America Y.D. Kononov, H.G. Huntington, E.A. Medvedeva, A. Boyd. Modelling transport fuel demand T. Sterner, C.A. Dahl. Modelling the long-run supply of coal R.P. Steenblik. Global availability of natural gas: resources, requirements and location D.A. Dreyfus. Modelling oil exploration V.R. Padilla. Environmental cost functions: a comparison between general and partial equilibrium L. Bergman. Energy policies in a macroeconomic model: an analysis of energy taxes when oil prices decline P. Capros, P. Karadeloglou, G. Mentzas. A comparison of energy-economy models: the French experience G. Destais. Models and projections of energy use in the Soviet Union Y. Sinyak. A detailed simulation approach to world energy modelling: the SIBILIN and POLES experiences P. Criqui. Inferred demand and supply elasticities from a comparison of world oil models H.G. Huntington. World oil market simulation N. Baldwin, R. Prosser. International energy workshop projections A.S. Manne, L. Schraltenholzer. Environmental regulations and innovation: a CGE approach for analysing short-run and long-run effects G. Stephan. C02 emission limits: an economic cost analysis for the United States of America A.S. Manne, R.G. Richels. Index.

Energy for rural development

Abstract: "Proceedings of the United Nations Group of Experts on the Role of New and Renewable Sources of Energy in Integrated Rural Development ... Stockholm, Sweden, 22-26 Jan. 1990"

Energy use in Denmark: An international perspective

Abstract: This report analyzes the evolution use in Denmark since the early 1970s in order to shed light on the future path of energy use in Denmark, with particular emphasis on the role of energy efficiency The authors found that improvements in end-use energy efficiency reduced primary energy requirements in Denmark by 22% between 1972 and 1988 Focusing on developments in six individual sectors of the Danish economy (residential, manufacturing, other industry, service, travel, and freight), they found that the residential, manufacturing, and service sectors have led the improvements in efficiency Travel showed few significant improvements and the efficiency of freight transportation worsened The international comparisons showed that the structure of energy use in Denmark is less energy-intensive than that of most high-income OECD countries, with the exception of Japan Overall, they concluded that most of the energy savings achieved in Denmark were brought about through improvements in technology They also found that an important stimulus for improved efficiency was higher energy prices, led in no small part by significant taxes imposed on small consumers of heating oil, electricity, and motor fuels Energy-efficiency programs accelerated energy savings in homes and commercial buildings The rate of improvement of energy efficiency in Denmarkmore » has slowed down significantly since 1984, consistent with trends observed in other major countries While many of the energy-efficiency goals stated or implied in Denmark`s Energi 2000 are achievable over a very long period, present trends do not point towards achievement of these goals by 2010 or even 2020 Strong measures will have to be developed by both public and private authorities if energy efficiency is to make a key contributions to reducing environmental problems associated with energy use in Denmark« less

A role for simulations in public policy disputes: the case of national energy policy

Abstract: Consensus-building techniques have been used successfully to resolve many public policy disputes. A major obstacle to consensus building, however, is the unwillingness of disputing parties to come to the negotiating table. A relatively new method of accomplishing this is to invite the parties to participate in a simulation of the conflict they want to resolve. Such simulations are designed to show that policy deadlocks can be overcome if the disputants change the way they negotiate. In November 1988, the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program, in association with the American Energy Assurance Council (AEAC), ran the National Energy Policy Simulation. This 23-hour crisis simulation brought together many of the stakeholders involved in the national energy policy debate in the United States. Partly as a result of the simulation, the parties agreed to sponsor afar reaching effort to forge a consensus on a national energy strategy for America. The energy policy experience is evidence that simulations can help bri...

Analysis of federal policy options for improving US lighting energy efficiency: Commercial and residential buildings

Abstract: The US Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized the opportunity to achieve energy, economic, and environmental benefits by promoting energy-efficient lighting through federal policies, including lighting standards, financial incentives, and information programs. To assist in this process, the Office of Conservation and Renewable Energy`s Office of Codes and Standards invited Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory to assess prospective national impacts for a variety of policy options. Some progress has already been made in developing lighting policies at both the federal and state levels. The US DOE`s Office of Building Technologies has evaluated lighting efficiency incentives as part of its analysis for the National Energy Strategy. Fluorescent and incandescent lamp standards are included in the national Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-486, October 24, 1992). A few states have analyzed or implemented lamp and luminaire standards. Many policy-related issues merit further investigation. For example, there is considerable debate over issues such as mandatory or voluntary standards versus component labeling and other education-oriented strategies. Several different technologies are involved that interact with each other-lamps (incandescent, compact fluorescent, and HID), ballasts (for fluorescent and HID lamps), and fixtures with reflectors and lenses. Control systems and operation patterns must also be considered (timers, automated dimming,more » or occupancy sensors). Lighting applications are diverse, ranging from offices, restaurants, hallways, hospital operating rooms, to exterior lights. Lighting energy use influences heating and cooling requirements in buildings. Successful lighting system design must also address interactions between architectural design elements and daylighting availability. Proper system installation and ongoing operation and maintenance are crucial. The economic aspects of the preceding points must also be considered for policy making.« less

Controversial issues in energy policy

Abstract: PART ONE An Introduction to Energy Policy The Crisis in the Gulf Energy Economics US Government Policies PART TWO The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Comparative Energy Policies PART THREE Synfuels Nuclear Power The Electric Utility Industry Faces the Future Conclusion

U.S.-EC Fuel Cycle Study: Background Document to the Approach and Issues

Abstract: Introducing social costs into utility decision making is not the first best policy for internalizing damages associated with energy use. If this approach is applied to electric utilities only, energy markets could become distorted. It introduces possible anti-new source bias if applied to only new sources. It requires that other policies, such as potentially inefficient environmental laws, be taken as a given. It offers an inappropriate jurisdictional control for many issues, such as global warming or foreign policy, which will be a source of frustration for many advocates. And it could even result in increases in pollution. It would be preferable for federal and state laws to be set and designed efficiently affecting all sectors of the economy. Nonetheless, application and investment of the concept of social costing of electricity can lead to more efficient electricity generation choices. While the piecemeal problem is potentially significant, so are the benefits of social costing.

Fueling a Competitive Economy

Abstract: A MERICA'S ENERGY and economic policies remain Z^k tied to Cold War concepts of national security. For JL JL. nearly fifty years all of America's vast resources were directed toward one purpose: containing the Soviet threat of global communism. But the need for a military oriented industrial strategy fell with the Berlin Wall; long subordinated economic, energy and environmental concerns have risen to the top of the national agenda. Integrating those elements with a refocused military strategy can create a coher ent American approach to national and global security for the post-Cold War world: one that is not costly but profitable, and not centrally planned but market-oriented. The most fruitful starting point for boosting America's economy and reordering its priorities is energy. Wise energy policy creates both a healthier economy and healthier environ ment. But energy policy does not work in isolation. Only in combination with farsighted economic, environmental and military policies can it help secure America's global position for the 21st century. Taken together, those interconnected policies constitute a new and comprehensive approach to U.S. security, defined in the broad sense of sustaining and improv ing the quality of life of Americans. America remains an enormously wealthy nation. Reorder ing priorities and redirecting resources would be enough to ensure that a new national strategy does not require higher taxes for the vast majority of Americans. A coherent national approach combining energy, economic and environmental

Energy substitution methodology for optimum demand variation using Delphi technique

Abstract: The traditional approach to energy planning has been to determine the energy demand and then to plan the supply accordingly. However, the current situation calls for a methodical approach where environmental degradation, economic growth and technological efficiency are to be considered. Modified and mathematical programming energy economy environment models have been built to meet these requirements for India. The gap between the requirements predicted by the modified model and the optimum requirement from the MPEEE model must be supplied by nonconventional sources. A Delphi study was conducted to determine the possible percentage utilization of nonconventional sources, keeping in view technology, emission, availability and social acceptance. Statistical tests of consensus and stability gave positive results. The reasons for using and not using the various nonconventional energy sources were determined along with their priority of usage in different sectors. The Delphi study helped in arriving at a quantitative decision with regard to social acceptance and percentage allocation of the nonconventional energy sources.