Industrial energy efficiency in light of climate change negotiations: Comparing major developing countries and the U.S.

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20001858

Phylipsen, D; Price, L; Worrell, E; Blok, K

In light of the commitments accepted within the Framework Convention on Climate Change there is an increasing need for useful information on energy consumption and energy efficiency. Governments can use this information in designing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prioritizing energy savings options. International comparison of energy efficiency can provide a benchmark against which a country's performance can be measured and policies can be evaluated. A methodology for international comparisons of industrial energy efficiency was developed by the International Network on Energy Demand analysis in the Industrial Sector. In this paper this methodology is used to analyze the energy efficiency of two energy-intensive industries in major developing countries. Energy consumption trends are shown for the steel and cement industry and an analysis is made of technologies used. In light of the Byrd-Hagel resolution, which states that the US will not ratify any climate treaty unless it also mandates commitments to limit greenhouse gas emissions for developing countries, the energy efficiency in the two sectors is compared to that of the US. The analysis shows that in the iron and steel sector South Korea and Brazil are more energy-efficient than the US, while Mexico has achieved a comparable energy efficiency level in recent years. For cement, South Korea, Brazil and Mexico are the most efficient countries analyzed. In recent years, China, and especially, India appear to have achieved energy efficiency levels, more or less comparable to that of the US. In light of data constraints, however, further analysis is required.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 20001858
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CEMENT INDUSTRY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GREENHOUSE GASES
INDUSTRY
METAL INDUSTRY
USA