Energy-Saving Technical Change

John Hassler and Conny Olovsson
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Per Krusell

No 9177, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: We estimate an aggregate production function with constant elasticity of substitution between energy and a capital/labor composite using U.S. data. The implied measure of energy-saving technical change appears to respond strongly to the oil-price shocks in the 1970s and has a negative medium-run correlation with capital/labor-saving technical change. Our findings are suggestive of a model of directed technical change, with low short-run substitutability between energy and capital/labor but significant substitutability over longer periods through technical change. We construct such a model, calibrate it based on the historical data, and use it to discuss possibilities for the future.

Keywords: Directed technical change; Energy saving (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E0 O3 Q32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene and nep-mac
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (108)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Energy-Saving Technical Change (2015)
Working Paper: Energy-saving technical change (2015)
Working Paper: Energy-Saving Technical Change (2012)
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