A low energy future for the United States

Robert H. Williams

Energy, 1987, vol. 12, issue 10, 929-944

Abstract: Because of ongoing structural shifts to less energy-intensive activities in the economy and opportunities to make more efficient use of energy, it is technically and economically feasible to reduce U.S. per capita energy use by a factor of two while per capita GNP doubles, 1980–2020. Pursuit of such a course would free up economic resources that are now directed to the energy system. It would also provide flexibility in energy planning; with low future energy demand it becomes possible to avoid overdependence on the more troublesome energy sources. The energy future described here is radically different from most forecasts and would probably not come about without new public policy initiatives. But what would be required is the coordinated use of familiar policy instruments rather than radical institutional changes.

Date: 1987
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:12:y:1987:i:10:p:929-944

DOI: 10.1016/0360-5442(87)90048-X

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