French industry pursues efficiency with funds from taxes on heavy oil

Journal Article · Mon Jan 17 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Energy Res. Rep.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7125341

Burke, B

The Agency for Energy Conservation hopes to help France save 45 million tons of oil in 1985 without sacrificing economic growth or comfort. An investment of $9 billion is hoped to effect a fuel saving of $20 billion through a $30-per-ton tax on heavy oils in addition to regulations and incentives applied to housing and transportation. In January 1976 a tax was imposed on consumption above a quota, which is 87 percent of the plant's 1973 consumption. Companies can contract with the government for specific energy efficiency improvements and have the tax waived. Demonstrations of conservation technology are jointly funded by companies and the agency, which stipulates that projects must be profitable, capable of significant energy savings, and new to France. Regulations set efficiency standards for buildings and boilers, with fines for exceeding approved heating and lighting levels. Efficiency labels stating kilowatt-hour or mileage are required on consumer goods. A shift toward individual meters for apartment units is also underway. An advertising campaign is directed at drivers, supplemented by a 60 percent gasoline tax, stickers priced according to horsepower, and government approval for all automobile and appliance advertising. France's oil imports increased 10 million tons during the first year of the program, indicating that substantial increases in investment and effort are necessary. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 7125341
• Journal Information: Energy Res. Rep.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Res. Rep.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN ERRED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320000 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization
AUTOMOBILES
BUILDINGS
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
EUROPE
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FOSSIL FUELS
FRANCE
FUEL CONSUMPTION
FUELS
HEATING
INDUSTRY
INVESTMENT
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
PETROLEUM
REGULATIONS
STANDARDS
TAXES
VEHICLES