Efficient Energy Use and Well-Being: The Swedish Example
A detailed comparison is made between the per capita energy consumption in the US and Sweden. Sweden uses between 55% and 65% of the per capita energy (depending on the way hydro-electricity is counted) at essentially the same per capita income. It is shown that this difference arises both from differences in the mix of economic activities and from the differences in the energy consumption per unit output of these activities. The most important contributions to the differences in energy use arise from higher efficiencies in transportation, materials processing, and space heating in Sweden. Differences in the mode mix in transportation, particularly the reliance on the automobile in the US, also contribute significantly to the lower Swedish energy use. The more severe Swedish climate substantially increases the need for space heat relative to the US, obscuring dramatic differences in space heating efficiencies. Energy costs have played an important role in creating a more energy efficient economy in Sweden, aided by institutional and cultural factors. The comparison suggests that more efficient energy use will not interfere with and can in fact improve the functions of the United States economy over the long run.
- Research Organization:
- Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 862224
- Report Number(s):
- LBL--4430
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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