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Dynamic Electricity Intensity Trends in 91 Countries

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  • Hann-Earl Kim

    (Department of Global Business, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujung-gu, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Korea)

  • Yu-Sang Chang

    (Gachon Center for Convergence Research, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujung-gu, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Korea)

  • Hee-Jin Kim

    (Department of Global Business, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujung-gu, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Korea)

Abstract

Despite numerous studies on energy productivity and efficiency, only a few focus on the electricity intensity (EI) of economic output. As these studies largely examine the declining trend in EI, the increasing and/or fluctuating trends in EI have not been studied. We analyze EI trends by estimating the progress ratios from experience curves of 91 countries from 1991 to 2011. The results reveal wide variation in progress ratios, ranging from 53% to 135%, with an average of 101.5%. Furthermore, more than half of the 91 countries displayed a kinked slope, indicating the fluctuating rate of change in EI. The rate of population growth seems to be related to the increasing EI trends. A clear understanding of the relative performance of each country in terms of the progress ratio and the pattern of EI trends would be useful for the country’s policymakers to develop strategic options for the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Hann-Earl Kim & Yu-Sang Chang & Hee-Jin Kim, 2021. "Dynamic Electricity Intensity Trends in 91 Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4588-:d:539840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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