A Dynamic Function for Energy Return on Investment

Michael Dale, Susan Krumdieck and Pat Bodger
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Michael Dale: Advanced Energy and Material Systems (AEMS) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Susan Krumdieck: Advanced Energy and Material Systems (AEMS) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Pat Bodger: Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand

Sustainability, 2011, vol. 3, issue 10, 1-14

Abstract: Most estimates of energy-return-on-investment (EROI) are “static”. They determine the amount of energy produced by a particular energy technology at a particular location at a particular time. Some “dynamic” estimates are also made that track the changes in EROI of a particular resource over time. Such approaches are “bottom-up”. This paper presents a conceptual framework for a “top-down” dynamic function for the EROI of an energy resource. This function is constructed from fundamental theoretical considerations of energy technology development and resource depletion. Some empirical evidence is given as corroboration of the shape of the function components.

Keywords: EROI; net energy; energy-return-on-investment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (21)

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