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Generating better energy indicators: Addressing the existence of multiple scales and multiple dimensions

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  • Sorman, Alevgul H.
  • Giampietro, Mario

Abstract

High energy prices and the growing concern for “Peak Oil” have put energy analysis, once again, on the front burner. However, before speculating about possible roadmaps regarding our energy future, it would be wise to develop better quantitative analyses. This paper flags the existence of systemic epistemological flaws in the current use of aggregate energy indicators and presents an alternative approach capable of dealing with the issue of multiple dimensions and multiple scales. Starting from a critical appraisal of the aggregate indicator “Economic Energy Intensity” it shows that economic and biophysical variables are often correlated and that their value is determined by characteristics which can only observed across different levels and scales. Complex metabolic systems (systems that use energy to maintain and reproduce themselves) are operating simultaneously at different scales. This implies that changes in the characteristics of parts, defined at the local scale, and changes in the characteristics of the whole, defined at the large scale can only be obtained after establishing a scaling mechanism in the analysis. In order to deal with the issue of scale in energy accounting, we propose to make a distinction between three different categories: (i) primary energy sources (PES) – establishing a link between energy quantities and the associated requirement of biophysical gradients, at the large scale, on the interface black-box/context; (ii) energy carriers (EC) – defining the set of energy inputs required by technical devices for expressing useful functions, at the local scale, within the parts operating inside the black-box; (iii) end uses (EU) the set of functions to be expressed by society across hierarchical levels for reproducing itself. Finally, the paper presents examples of quantitative results obtained using an innovative method of analysis – Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM). We conclude that by using this new accounting method it is possible to generate a better understanding of external and internal constraints determining the desirability and viability of the metabolic pattern of societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Sorman, Alevgul H. & Giampietro, Mario, 2011. "Generating better energy indicators: Addressing the existence of multiple scales and multiple dimensions," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 223(1), pages 41-53.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:223:y:2011:i:1:p:41-53
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2011.10.014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pere Ariza-Montobbio & Katharine Farrell & Gonzalo Gamboa & Jesus Ramos-Martin, 2014. "Integrating energy and land-use planning: socio-metabolic profiles along the rural–urban continuum in Catalonia (Spain)," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 925-956, August.
    2. Pérez Sánchez, Laura À. & Velasco-Fernández, Raúl & Giampietro, Mario, 2024. "Analyzing the energy metabolism of the automotive industry to study the differences found in this sector across EU countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).
    3. F. Ravera & A. Scheidel & J. dell’Angelo & G. Gamboa & T. Serrano & S. Mingorría & V. Cabello & N. Arizpe & P. Ariza, 2014. "Pathways of rural change: an integrated assessment of metabolic patterns in emerging ruralities," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 811-820, August.
    4. Guevara, Zeus & Domingos, Tiago, 2017. "The multi-factor energy input–output model," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 261-269.
    5. Xiaoyue Wang & Shuyao Wu & Shuangcheng Li, 2017. "Urban Metabolism of Three Cities in Jing-Jin-Ji Urban Agglomeration, China: Using the MuSIASEM Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-21, August.
    6. Raul F. C. Miranda & Carolina Grottera & Mario Giampietro, 2016. "Understanding slums: analysis of the metabolic pattern of the Vidigal favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 18(5), pages 1297-1322, October.
    7. Serrenho, André Cabrera & Sousa, Tânia & Warr, Benjamin & Ayres, Robert U. & Domingos, Tiago, 2014. "Decomposition of useful work intensity: The EU (European Union)-15 countries from 1960 to 2009," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 704-715.
    8. Kraan, Oscar & Chappin, Emile & Kramer, Gert Jan & Nikolic, Igor, 2019. "The influence of the energy transition on the significance of key energy metrics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 215-223.
    9. Diaz-Maurin, François & Chiguvare, Zivayi & Gope, Gideon, 2018. "Scarcity in abundance: The challenges of promoting energy access in the Southern African region," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 110-120.
    10. Nathalia Tejedor-Flores & Purificación Vicente-Galindo & Purificación Galindo-Villardón, 2017. "Sustainability Multivariate Analysis of the Energy Consumption of Ecuador Using MuSIASEM and BIPLOT Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-15, June.
    11. González-López, Rafael & Giampietro, Mario, 2018. "Relational analysis of the oil and gas sector of Mexico: Implications for Mexico's energy reform," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 403-414.

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