An Input Output Approach to the Analysis of Intercountry Differences in Per Capita Energy Consumption

Bergman, L., Clemenz, C., & Hoelzl, A. (1980). An Input Output Approach to the Analysis of Intercountry Differences in Per Capita Energy Consumption. IIASA Working Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: WP-80-003

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Abstract

Comparisons of energy consumption patterns in different countries can serve as a tool for identifying inefficiencies in the use of energy in individual countries. However, differences in terms of relations such as the use of energy per capita or per unit of GDP are not usually very good indicators of intercountry differences in the efficiency of energy use. Factors such as climatic conditions, the sectoral structure of the production system etc. often hide more basic differences in production methods and consumption patterns. Moreover, differences in production methods with similar output may not only be due to differences in the efficiency of energy utilization, but can be the result of intercountry differences in relative prices.

In this study, input-output data for the Federal Republic of Germany, France and the Netherlands is used to identify intercountry differences in per capita consumption patterns which can be assigned to differences in production methods and domestic consumption patterns. It appears that such differences do exist. In particular the technologies used in the three countries differed significantly in terms of energy intensity. However, when these results were combined with data on relative prices, the observed differences in energy intensities in most cases were quite consistent with intercountry differences in relative prices. Thus, the observed differences between the sample countries do not seem to reflect intercountry differences in the efficiency of energy utilization.

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