Energy efficiency in Europe: trends, convergence and policy effectiveness

Ramon Ortiz (), Andrea Bastianin, Andrea Bigano, Cristina Cattaneo, Alessandro Lanza, Matteo Manera (), Anil Markandya, Michele Plotegher and Fabio Sferra

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: This paper analyses energy efficiency in the EU, both in terms of reductions in energy intensity and in terms of physical indicators, looking at the differences among sectors and among Member States. We test econometrically the existence of convergence in energy intensity across Europe. We find a sensible catching–up of less performing countries, particularly in the agricultural and in the industrial sectors. Against this background, we analyse the role played by energy policies in EU Member States and we identify the most effective classes of policies and measures by means of a panel analysis of the EU-15 and Norway. It turns out that, in the residential sector, energy efficiency is particularly affected by heating regulations, by subsidies as well as tax reductions; in the transport sector, effective policies are tax reductions, incentives to eliminate old and polluting cars, car sharing, commuter plan and traffic management; in the industrial sector, mandatory technology standards, financing at low interest rate, information activities, education and outreach proved to be effective.

Keywords: energy intensity; energy efficiency; convergence; European energy policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E65 O13 Q01 Q43 Q48 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-eec and nep-ene
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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