|
on Energy Economics |
| By: | Margarida R. Alves (DEGEI and GOVCOPP, University of Aveiro); Victor Moutinho (DEGEI, University of Aveiro) |
| Abstract: | Is this paper, we used the 'complete decomposition' technique to examine CO2 emissions intensity and its components considering 16 industrial sectors over 1996-2009 period. In addition, we have implemented the forecast error variance decomposition applied to the factors in which emissions intensity was decomposed. It is shown that CO2 emissions intensity diminished significantly in the considered period. Energy intensity of economic sectors is the most important effect in the determination of the CO2 emissions intensity. The technologies used are more efficient and less polluting, for the same amount of fuel used. Moreover, there was a substitution between fossil fuels in favour of less polluting fuels, but the technologies related to fossil fuels may still have a significant role. The industry (in particular 5 industrial sectors) is contributing largely to the effects of variation of CO2 emissions intensity. There is bidirectional causality between CO2 emissions intensity and the share of fossil fuels in total energy consumption. Emissions intensity reacts more significantly to shocks in the weight of fossil fuels in total energy consumption compared to shocks in other variables. |
| Keywords: | Decomposition analysis; Variance decomposition; CO2 emissions intensity; Manufacturing industry; Portugal. |
| JEL: | Q49 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cfe:wpcefa:2013_10&r=ene |
| By: | Mark Schopf (University of Paderborn) |
| Abstract: | This paper deals with possible foreign reactions to unilateral carbon supply reducing policies. It differentiates between demand side and supply side reactions as well as between intra- and intertemporal shifts of greenhouse gas emissions. Ritter & Schopf (2013) integrate stock-dependent marginal physical costs of extracting fossil fuels into Eichner & Pethig’s (2011) general equilibrium carbon leakage model. Using this model, we change the policy instrument from an emissions trading scheme to a deposit preserving system. Thereby, we distinguish between purchasing high-value and low-value reserves. The results are as follows: In case of eastern oil kept underground, the weak and the strong green paradox arise under similar conditions to those derived by Ritter & Schopf (2013). In case of offshore oil kept underground, there is intra- and there can be intertemporal carbon leakage, but neither the present emissions nor the cumulative climate damages increase. |
| Keywords: | Natural Resources, Carbon Leakage, Green Paradox |
| JEL: | Q31 Q32 Q54 |
| Date: | 2013–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pdn:wpaper:63&r=ene |
| By: | Eryilmaz, Derya; Homans, Frances |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impacts of uncertainties in the US renewable energy policy on the investment decisions of renewable electricity producers. We develop a dynamic optimization model to understand how investment in wind energy depends on market and policy uncertainties in renewable energy markets. These uncertainties include the stochastic prices in the market for Renewable Electricity Credits (RECs) and the federal government's uncertain decision about continuation of Production Tax Credit (PTC) program. Results contribute to our understanding of the impact of the REC market and policy decisions on the profitability threshold required for investors to commit to renewable energy investments. Uncertainty about the renewable energy policy raises the threshold to invest in renewable energy. This paper also examines the relationship between two important renewable energy policies and their impacts on these investments. This paper has the potential to significantly contribute to the existing renewable energy development debate because the RECs prices are introduced explicitly as a random factor in a model of investment in renewable energy. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013–05–31 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150018&r=ene |
| By: | Rock, Michael T.; Toman, Michael; Cui, Yuanshang; Jiang, Kejun; Song, Yun; Wang, Yanjia |
| Abstract: | Since the onset of economic reforms in 1978, China has been remarkably successful in reducing the carbon dioxide intensities of gross domestic product and industrial production. Most analysts correctly attribute the rapid decline in the carbon dioxide intensity of industrial production to rising energy prices, increased openness to trade and investment, increased competition, and technological change. China's industrial and technology policies also have contributed to lower carbon dioxide intensities, by transforming industrial structure and improving enterprise level technological capabilities. Case studies of four energy intensive industries -- aluminum, cement, iron and steel, and paper -- show how the changes have put these industries on substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions trajectories. Although the changes have not led to absolute declines in carbon dioxide emissions, they have substantially weakened the link between industry growth and carbon dioxide emissions. |
| Keywords: | Energy Production and Transportation,Technology Industry,ICT Policy and Strategies,Environmental Economics&Policies,Energy and Environment |
| Date: | 2013–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6492&r=ene |
| By: | Oliver, Anthony; Khanna, Madhu |
| Abstract: | Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs) have been enacted in 29 states in the US, in part to encourage an increase in the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources. Biomass can be utilized in a dedicated bio-power plant to generate electricity, co-fired with coal at an existing power plant, or used to produce cellulosic ethanol that also yields co-product electricity. Considering these options along with a detailed national model of agricultural biomass production allows for the simulation of the effect of existing policies on electricity based biomass demand. Using a multi-period, multi-market, price endogenous model of the U.S. agricultural, electricity, and transportation sectors, the effect of existing state-level RPS is evaluated along with the implications for the agriculture sector. It is found that RPSs increase generation from both biomass and wind-based electricity generation, while decreasing the amount of generation from natural gas, and coal. Due to the co-product electricity generation a greater amount of electricity is generated from biomass under the RFS & RPS scenario than the RPS scenario even though biomass prices are higher. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150406&r=ene |
| By: | Nunez, hector; Onal, Hayri |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we simulate the Brazilian agriculture and transportation fuel sectors using a price endogenous mathematical programming model to analyze the impacts of recent changes in fuel policies and strong demand in world sugar markets on producers’ supply responses, consumers’ driving demand, fuel choice, and ethanol trade with the rest of the world. We also determine the land use change, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and economic surplus implications. The analysis considers various blending rates and taxation of different types of fuels. The model results show that when the ethanol blending rate is reduced in response to the increased sugar demand and resulting short supply of ethanol, the driving demand by conventional vehicles would be reduced significantly. When the tax rate is dropped by 7.5% and the blending rate remains at high levels, flex-fuel car users would switch from E100 to gasohol. Despite the reduction in driving demand, the total direct GHG emissions from Brazil would increase significantly due to the consumption of a more carbon intensive fuel blend. |
| Keywords: | Price endogenous, mathematical programming, fuel policy, Brazil, land use, greenhouse gas emissions, Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, C61, Q10, Q48, Q54, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:149973&r=ene |
| By: | David Benatia; Nick Johnstone; Ivan Haščič |
| Abstract: | Intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, will become increasingly important in the electricity supply mix if ambitious renewable energy targets are to be met. This paper presents evidence on the effectiveness of different strategies and measures to increase the capacity utilisation of wind and other intermittent renewable energy plants. As countries progress towards more ambitious renewables penetration objectives, it is essential that the installed capacity does not end up idle and the investment ‘wasted’. The analysis is based on data for 31 OECD countries over the period 1990- 2009. Wind speed, dispatchable power, transmission capacity and energy storage are found to have positive and significant impacts on capacity utilisation. For example, if domestic grids are poorly refurbished European countries will have to invest an additional USD 38 billion worth of investment in wind power generating capacity by 2020 in order to meet the EU renewables objectives. Cross-border electricity trade is also found to have a positive impact on wind power plant capacity utilisation, albeit only at the high end of historic levels of penetration. Up to USD 25 billion worth of investment in wind power capacity by 2020 could be avoided – while still meeting the objectives – if electricity trade within the European Union is enhanced.<BR>Les énergies renouvelables intermittentes telles que l’éolien et le solaire doivent occuper une place de plus en plus importante dans le parc électrique pour que les ambitieux objectifs qui les concernent soient atteints. Ce rapport apporte des éléments d’information sur l’efficacité de diverses stratégies et mesures destinées à améliorer le coefficient d’utilisation des centrales exploitant l’énergie éolienne ou d’autres énergies renouvelables intermittentes. À l’heure où les pays tendent vers des objectifs de pénétration des énergies renouvelables plus ambitieux, il importe que la puissance installée ne soit pas inemployée ni les investissements « gaspillés ». L’analyse s’appuie sur des données de 31 pays de l’OCDE entre 1990 et 2009. Elle montre que la vitesse du vent, la puissance « dispatchable », les capacités de transport et le stockage de l’énergie ont un impact positif substantiel sur le coefficient d’utilisation des centrales éoliennes. Par exemple, s’ils ne rénovent pas suffisamment leurs réseaux nationaux, les pays européens devront investir 38 milliards USD de plus dans ces centrales d’ici 2020 pour atteindre les objectifs de l’Union européenne concernant les énergies renouvelables. Les échanges internationaux d’électricité ont également un effet positif sur le coefficient d’utilisation des centrales éoliennes, même si cet effet n’est sensible qu’au-delà du taux de pénétration maximum atteint jusqu’à présent. Si les échanges d’électricité au sein de l’Union européenne étaient renforcés, il serait possible d’économiser jusqu’à 25 milliards USD d’investissement dans la puissance éolienne installée d’ici 2020 – tout en satisfaisant aux objectifs fixés. |
| Keywords: | renewable energy, wind power, intermittency, grid integration, electricity trade, énergie renouvelable, énergie éolienne, intermittence, intégration au réseau, échanges d’électricité |
| JEL: | Q4 Q42 Q48 |
| Date: | 2013–05–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:57-en&r=ene |
| By: | Cropper, Maureen; Gamkhar, Shama; Malik, Kabir; Limonov, Alex; Partridge, Ian |
| Abstract: | To help inform pollution control policies in the Indian electricity sector we estimate the health damages associated with particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from individual coal-fired power plants. We calculate the damages per ton of pollutant for each of 89 plants and compute total damages in 2008, by pollutant, for 63 plants. We estimate health damages by combining data on power plant emissions of particulate matter, SO2 and NOx with reduced-form intake fraction models that link emissions to changes in population-weighted ambient concentrations of fine particles. Concentration-response functions for fine particles from Pope et al. (2002) are used to estimate premature cardiopulmonary deaths associated with air emissions for persons 30 and older. Our results suggest that 75 percent of premature deaths are associated with fine particles that result from SO2 emissions. After characterizing the distribution of premature mortality across plants we calculate the health benefits and cost-per-life saved of the flue-gas desulfurization unit installed at the Dahanu power plant in Maharashtra and the health benefits of coal washing at the Rihand power plant in Uttar Pradesh. |
| Keywords: | coal-fired power plants, particulate matter, electricity, health damages, pollution control, concentration-response function, India, Environmental Economics and Policy, Health Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q01, Q51, A53, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150290&r=ene |
| By: | Bertram, Christine; Heitmann, Nadine; Narita, Daiju; Schwedeler, Markus |
| Abstract: | CO2 storage opportunities and the location of coal-fired power plants are located far apart throughout Europe, suggesting the need for a region-wide CO2 pipeline network or at least a considerable number of cross-border transport pipelines. Regionally coherent policy would be needed to embed a CCS infrastructure into an evolving European electricity system. However, the current EU's CCS Directive leaves the decision to allow carbon storage on their territory to individual MSs and makes no provision for limiting local bans on CCS. Such EU policy should be reconsidered, as it could distort optimal pipeline infrastructure development and make pipeline construction more expensive. Germany, for example, is the largest emitter of CO2 in Europe, has the second largest storage capacities, and is located in the middle of Europe. A German ban on onshore storage of CO2 could not only unnecessarily increase the size of a transport network in Europe, but also the costs of building CCS infrastructure. It is worth stressing that the issue of building CCS infrastructure is a policy question that requires deliberation starting today, even if building most of the projects were likely to commence at least a decade later. Although CCS is not yet a fully established technology, steps should be taken now to set up a policy framework given the long time horizon that investment decisions in CCS infrastructure and power generation facilities would require. Moreover, the current uncertainty about the future of CCS also discourages private investment in CCS research and could thus hinder an even more efficient and effective use of this technology. As the present situation indicates, the implementation of CCS runs the risk of being deployed only in isolated cases, which would influence future energy mixes and might hamper the realization of stringent climate goals. Even if the use of renewable sources to produce energy increases in the future, coal will likely remain an important energy source for the next 20 years, particularly in Germany where nuclear power is to be phased out. In this context, CCS is a powerful option to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Impeding the use of and research on CCS by not establishing appropriate regulations or even by prohibiting CO2 storage at this early stage, therefore, would pose the risk of losing one potentially important tool to combat climate change. -- |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifwkpb:43&r=ene |
| By: | Hendrik Ritter (University of Magdeburg); Mark Schopf (University of Paderborn) |
| Abstract: | This paper deals with possible foreign reactions to domestic carbon demand reducing policies. It differentiates between demand side and supply side reactions as well as between intra- and intertemporal shifts of greenhouse gas emissions. In our model, we integrate a stock-dependent marginal physical cost of extracting fossil fuels into Eichner & Pethig's (2011) general equilibrium carbon leakage model. The results are as follows: Under similar but somewhat tighter conditions than those derived by Eichner & Pethig (2011), a weak green paradox arises. Furthermore, a strong green paradox can arise in our model under supplementary constraints. That means a "green" policy measure might not only lead to a harmful acceleration of fossil fuel extraction but to an increase in the cumulative climate damages at the same time. In some of these cases there is even a cumulative extraction expansion, which we consider disastrous. |
| Keywords: | Natural Resources, Carbon Leakage, Green Paradox |
| JEL: | Q31 Q32 Q54 |
| Date: | 2013–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pdn:wpaper:62&r=ene |
| By: | Arjan Ruijs; Herman R.J. Vollebergh |
| Abstract: | Since 1997, the Netherlands has had a tax allowance scheme that was introduced to promote investments in energy-saving technologies and sustainable energy production. This so-called Energy Investment Tax Allowance (EIA in Dutch) reduces up-front investment costs for firms investing in the newest energy-saving and sustainable energy technologies. The basic design of the EIA has remained the same over the past 15 years. Firms investing in technologies listed in the annually updated ‘Energy List’ may deduct some of the investment costs from their taxable profits in the year of the investment. Compared to investments in conventional reference technologies, the EIA decreases the payback period and reduces the need of financing the investments in energy-saving technologies. The EIA may also reduce search costs made by investors to find particular technologies, because entry on the Energy List equals eligibility for the subsidy. The Energy List contains generic technologies that meet a certain energy-saving standard or a selection of novel, but proven, technologies with a higher energy-saving potential than conventional technologies. Therefore, the list itself is also likely to have an attention value that may contribute to reduce information failures in the market for technology adoption. Over the past 15 years, the EIA has been affected by a number of changes, mainly due to exogenous factors, such as interactions with other policy instruments, rising oil and gas prices, and the economic crisis since 2007. Despite this turbulence and changes in government focus, the EIA remains part of the Dutch energy policy mix. Its flexibility allowed for adaptations where necessary and its role as a subsidy for technology adoption is likely to also have contributed to its legitimacy.<BR>Depuis 1997, les Pays-Bas ont en vigueur un mécanisme de déduction fiscale qui a été adopté pour encourager les investissements dans les technologies d’économie d’énergie et dans la production durable d’énergie. Appelé Energy Investment Tax Allowance (déduction fiscale au titre des investissements énergétiques, EIA en néerlandais), ce dispositif permet de réduire la mise de fonds initiale des entreprises qui investissent dans les technologies les plus récentes d’économie d’énergie ou de l’énergie durable. Le principe fondamental de l’EIA est resté le même pendant les 15 dernières années : les entreprises qui investissent dans les technologies inscrites dans la Liste des technologies de l’énergie – l’‘Energy List’ –, mise à jour tous les ans, peuvent déduire une partie de leurs coûts d’investissement de leurs bénéfices imposables de l’année où l’investissement est effectué. Grâce à l’EIA, les investissements dans les technologies d’économie d’énergie ont un temps de retour et des besoins de financement inférieurs à ceux des investissements dans des technologies conventionnelles de référence. L’EIA permet aussi aux investisseurs d’alléger les dépenses à engager pour trouver telle ou telle technologie, car l’inscription dans la Liste des technologies de l’énergie ouvre droit au subventionnement. Dans cette liste figurent des technologies génériques qui respectent une norme d’économie d’énergie donnée ainsi qu’une sélection de technologies nouvelles, mais éprouvées, dont le potentiel d’économie d’énergie est supérieur à celui des technologies conventionnelles. La liste proprement dite a donc une valeur informative dès lors qu’elle peut contribuer à combler des lacunes d’information sur le marché des technologies. Au cours des 15 dernières années, l’EIA a fait l’objet de plusieurs modifications, découlant surtout de facteurs exogènes tels que des interactions avec d’autres instruments d’action, la hausse des prix du pétrole et du gaz, ou la crise économique depuis 2007. Malgré cette instabilité et les changements de priorités des pouvoirs publics, l’EIA continue de faire partie de l’arsenal de mesures de politique énergétique des Pays-Bas. Sa souplesse a permis les adaptations nécessaires, et son rôle de subvention à l’adoption de technologies a sans doute aussi contribué à sa légitimité. |
| Keywords: | investment, environment, tax, tax preference, policy evaluation, investissement, environnement, taxe, avantage fiscal, évaluation des politiques |
| JEL: | H23 H25 H32 O33 Q48 |
| Date: | 2013–04–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:55-en&r=ene |
| By: | Song, Yanqin; Berrah, Noureddine |
| Abstract: | With rapid development of wind power in China, the following three issues have become barriers for further scale-up: 1) concentration of wind farms in the Three-North region, which became significantly underutilized because of a limited capability of local power grids to off-take and consume wind-generated electricity and because of a lack of coordinated development of long-distance transmission lines to deliver electricity to load centers in the South and East regions; 2) increasing subsidies and, thus, a burden on final consumers; and 3) resistance of local authorities to develop new projects because the new value added tax policy reform. How to deal with these issues will have significant impact on the future development of wind in China. This note proposes a methodology to enhance a comprehensive approach by taking both generation and transmission into account in crafting the development plan and formulating the incentive policies, which may be useful in addressing these issues. |
| Keywords: | Energy Production and Transportation,Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases,Carbon Policy and Trading,Windpower,Science of Climate Change |
| Date: | 2013–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6486&r=ene |
| By: | Gemechu, Eskinder D.; Butnar, Isabela; Llop Llop, Maria; Sangwong, S.; Castells i Piqué, Francesc |
| Abstract: | As a result of globalization and free trade agreements, international trade is enormously growing and inevitably putting more pressure on the environment over the last few decades. This has drawn the attention of both environmentalist and economist in response to the ever growing concerns of climate change and urgent need of international action for its mitigation. In this work we aim at analyzing the implication of international trade in terms of CO2 between Spain and its important partners using a multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model. A fully integrated 13 regions MRIO model is constructed to examine the pollution responsibility of Spain both from production and consumption perspectives. The empirical results show that Spain is a net importer of CO2 emissions which is equivalent to 29% of its emission due to production. Even though the leading partner with regard to import values are countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain, the CO2 embodied due to trade with China takes the largest share. This is mainly due to the importation of energy intensive products from China coupled with Chinese poor energy mix which is dominated by coal-power plant. The largest portion (67%) of the global imported CO2 emissions is due to intermediate demand requirements by production sectors. Products such as Motor vehicles, chemicals, a variety of machineries and equipments, textile and leather products, construction materials are the key imports that drive the emissions due to their production in the respective exporting countries. Being at its peak in 2005, the Construction sector is the most responsible activity behind both domestic and imported emissions. |
| Keywords: | Comerç internacional, Medi ambient -- Anàlisi d'impacte, Emissions atmosfèriques -- Espanya, Anhídrid carbònic, 339 - Comerç. Relacions econòmiques internacionals. Economia mundial. Màrqueting, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:urv:wpaper:2072/212195&r=ene |
| By: | Dicembrino , Claudio; Trovato, Giovanni |
| Abstract: | Insights about electricity demand dynamics is fundamental for investment capacity, optimal energy policies, and a balanced electricity system. This paper presents an empirical analysis of the monthly Italian electricity demand since January 2001 to June 2012. In the first section we conduct the analysis of structural breaks in the electricity demand finding that the series has two structural breaks in August 2002 and August 2004 as market liberalization effects on consumption. In the second part of the paper we estimate demand price elasticities both for residential and industrial sector. As expected from the electricity economics literature concerning elasticities estimates, we find that the long run price and income elasticities are more price elastic than the short run both in industrial and residential consumption. In the third and last section, we compare two different forecasting models: the Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and the Holt Winters (H-W) seasonal smoothing method. Considering the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), the HMM approach seems to show a superiority in forecasting the monthly electricity demand compared to the H-W methodology. |
| Keywords: | Electricity Demand, Price and Income Elasticity, Hidden Markov Models, Holt-Winters Seasonal Filter Smoothing |
| JEL: | C53 Q41 Q47 R21 |
| Date: | 2013–06–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:47653&r=ene |
| By: | Mann, Janelle M |
| Keywords: | International Relations/Trade, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150368&r=ene |
| By: | Werner, Dan |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150262&r=ene |
| By: | Iimi, Atsushi |
| Abstract: | Competitive bidding is an important policy tool to procure goods and services from the market at the lowest possible cost. Under traditional public procurement systems, however, it may be difficult to purchase highly customized objects, such as energy efficiency services. This is because not only prices but also other nonmonetary aspects need to be taken into account. Multidimensional auctions are often used to evaluate multidimensional bids. This paper examines the bidding strategy in multidimensional auctions, using data from public energy service company projects in Japan. It shows that multidimensional auctions work well, as theory predicts. The competition effect is significant. In addition, strategic information disclosure, including walk-through and preannouncement of reserve prices, can also promote energy savings and investment. Risk sharing arrangements are critical in the energy service company market. In particular, the public sector should take regulatory risk. |
| Keywords: | Energy Production and Transportation,Climate Change Economics,Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases,Debt Markets,Energy Demand |
| Date: | 2013–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6485&r=ene |
| By: | Maher, Joe |
| Abstract: | The energy savings from tree shade coincide with peak electricity demand during summer months, creating an opportunity for utilities to use tree protection policies as demand side management tools. We apply a quasi-experimental research design to identify the change in residential energy caused by tree removals using three unique micro-level datasets from Gainesville, Florida. These datasets include (i) a twelve year panel of monthly household electricity billing data for 30,000 homes serviced by Gainesville Regional Utility, (ii) city permit data that identify the timing and location of tree removals, and (iii) property appraisal data detailing structural building characteristics for each home. Results of a difference-in-difference model suggest that removing mature trees in urban setting significantly increases residential energy use. After a tree removal, households experience a 3 percent increase in average monthly utility consumption across the year. The treatment effect is largest during summer months, with an average electricity increase of 4 to 5 percent following a tree removal. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150567&r=ene |
| By: | Maher, Joe |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150569&r=ene |
| By: | Yi, Fujin; Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia; Thome, Karen |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the effects of the expiration of the volumetric ethanol subsidy and the implementation of the renewable fuels standard (RFS) on the U.S. fuel ethanol industry. Analyses that ignore the dynamic implications of these policies, including their effects on incumbent ethanol firms’ investment, production, and exit decisions and on potential entrants’ entry behavior, may generate incomplete estimates of the impact of the policies and misleading predictions of the future evolution of the fuel ethanol industry. In this paper, we construct a dynamic model to recover the entire cost structure of the industry including the distributions of fixed entry costs and of exit scrap values. We use the estimated parameters to evaluate 3 different types of subsidy: a volumetric production subsidy, an investment subsidy, and an entry subsidy, each with and without the RFS. Results show that the RFS is a critically important policy to support the sustainability of corn-based fuel ethanol production, and that investment subsidies and entry subsidies are more effective than production subsidies. |
| Keywords: | Fuel ethanol, subsidy, renewable fuels standard, structural model, Political Economy, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q16, Q42, Q48, L21, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150224&r=ene |
| By: | Qiu, Yueming; Colson, Gregory; Grebitus, Carola |
| Abstract: | Please do not cite without the authors' permission. |
| Keywords: | Time and risk preferences, experiment, energy efficiency, household, Environmental Economics and Policy, Risk and Uncertainty, Q2, Q3, Q4, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:149681&r=ene |
| By: | Espey, Molly |
| Abstract: | Many aspects of automobile markets have changed significantly over the past decade, from vehicle weigh and power to technology for improvements in fuel economy, fundamentally altering tradeoffs among vehicle characteristics. Further, several significant laws were passed mandating increases in vehicle fuel economy. To understand the impact of such legislation, it is critical to know how consumers value fuel economy and other vehicle characteristics. While previous research has estimated the value of automobile fuel economy using hedonic analysis, this research adds to this literature by examining how this value changes over time, in particular in light of changing fuel prices over time, and highlights the significance of uncertainty in fuel economy measures in making such as estimation. |
| Keywords: | Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150689&r=ene |
| By: | Du, Xiaoxue; Lu, Liang; Zilberman, David |
| Abstract: | Both the goal of energy independence and the desire to lower greenhouse gas emission have triggered the search for alternate energy sources. For second generation biofuel production, a key question is which form of industrial organization should be adopted in order to stimulate stable feedstock production. Using a two-stage optimal control framework, we analyze the optimal form of industrial organization should be adopted where technology innovation is endogenous and biorefinery faces credit constraint. Our results show that, under certain assumptions, it is optimal to adopt vertical integration in the beginning and move to contract farming later. Moreover, the tighter credit constraint that a biorefinery faces, the sooner the biorefinery would adopt contract farming. |
| Keywords: | Contract Farming, Vertical Integration, Biofuel Feedstock, Technology In- novation, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q16, Q42, |
| Date: | 2013–06–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150629&r=ene |
| By: | Bauner, Christoph; Crago, Christine |
| Abstract: | Many incentives at the state and federal level exist for household adoption of re- newable energy like solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Although incentives make solar panels an attractive investment from a net present value perspective, the adoption rate is low, suggesting that households are either irrational or apply an abnormally high discount rate. Alternatively, households could be recognizing the benet (option value) of waiting to reduce uncertainty in net benets associated with investing in solar PV. We use the option value framework to examine the decision by households to invest in solar PV and quantify the option value multiplier and adoption rate over time for solar PV investments. We nd that the option value multiplier is 1.8, which implies that the net present value of benets from solar PV needs to be almost double the investment cost for investment to occur. Simulated adoption rates show that the adoption rate under the option value decision rule is signi cantly lower than that following a decision rule based on NPV, and is more consistent with the observed adoption rate of solar PV. Current policies that support the solar PV market are crucial to households' adoption decision. Our simulations show that without tax credits and rebates, the median time to adoption increases by 110% compared to the baseline. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150641&r=ene |
| By: | Kabata, Tshepelayi |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150599&r=ene |
| By: | Jang, Heesun; Du, Xiaodong |
| Abstract: | Employing the patent data over 1977-2011, this study explores the factors determining innovative activities in the US ethanol industry. We take into account both demand-side and supply-side factors, the latter of which is represented by constructed knowledge stocks, to quantify the effects of price- and policy-induced innovations. We quantify the citation generation process using patent citations and construct the simple and weighted stocks of knowledge with weights of patent productivity. We confirm that both the supply-the demand-side factors, such as knowledge stock, crude oil price and government R&D expenditure, have positive and statistically significant effects on the technological innovations of biofuels in the United States. |
| Keywords: | knowledge stock, patent count and citation, R&D expenditure, Demand and Price Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q16, Q42, Q48, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150132&r=ene |
| By: | Heim, Sven; Götz, Georg |
| Abstract: | We analyze a drastic price increase in the German auction market for reserve power, which did not appear to be driven by increased costs. Studying the market structure and individual bidding strategies, we find evidence for collusive behavior in an environment with repeated auctions, pivotal suppliers and inelastic demand. The price increase can be traced back to an abuse of the auction's pay-as-bid mechanism by the two largest firms. In contrast to theoretical findings, we show that pay-as-bid auctions do not necessarily reduce incentives for strategic capacity withholding and collusive behavior, but can even increase them. -- |
| Keywords: | Auctions,Collusion,Market Power,Energy Markets,Reserve Power,Balancing Power |
| JEL: | D43 D44 L11 L13 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:zewdip:13035&r=ene |
| By: | Remble, Amber; Britz, Wolfgang; Keeney, Roman |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150442&r=ene |
| By: | Espey, Molly |
| Keywords: | Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150691&r=ene |
| By: | Alexandre Gohin Author-X-Name- First: Alexandre Author-X-Name- Last: Gohin |
| Abstract: | [Paper in French] The European public policy in favor of the biodiesel consumption is highly debated. Available estimates of the induced land use changes conclude that this policy is inefficient to reduce emissions of GreenHouse Gas. We show that the crop yield evolutions in these estimates are significantly lower than the observed and expected evolutions. This difference is directly related to biased calibration choice of behavioral parameters. We show using the GTAP-BIO framework that a consistent calibration of these parameters leads to a strong reduction (by around 80% in the long run) of the land use changes and induced emissions. |
| Keywords: | Biofuel, Europe, Land use changes |
| JEL: | Q11 Q15 Q48 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rae:wpaper:201307&r=ene |
| By: | Géraldine Ang; Virginie Marchal |
| Abstract: | Transport infrastructure is a pillar of economic development and a key contributor to climate change. Globally, transport-related greenhouse gas emissions are expected to double by 2050 in the absence of new policies. There is an urgent need to scale-up and shift transport infrastructure investments towards lowcarbon, climate-resilient transport options and help achieving the environmental, social and economic benefits associated with sustainable transport infrastructure. Given the extent of investment required to meet escalating global transportation infrastructure needs, and the growing strains on public finances, mobilising private investment at pace and at scale will be necessary to facilitate the transition to a greener growth. Investment barriers, however, often limit private investment in sustainable transport infrastructure projects, due to the relatively less attractive risk-return profile of such projects compared to fossil fuelbased alternatives. In part, this can be attributed to market failures and government policies that fall short of accounting for the full costs of carbon-intensive road transport and the benefits of sustainable transport modes. |
| Keywords: | development, transport, infrastructure, climate change, urban planning, transport policies, private investment, climate finance |
| JEL: | G18 L92 O18 Q01 Q50 R40 |
| Date: | 2013–05–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:56-en&r=ene |
| By: | Ferris, John (Jake) |
| Abstract: | Most of the increase in ethanol production in the 2008-2012 period can be attributed to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) and earlier federal energy legislation. The expansion in U.S. biofuel production, particularly ethanol, was the predominant cause of the elevated commodity prices. Other influences documented were a weak dollar, speculation and an increasingly inelastic commodity demand function. The supply function displayed more elasticity as crop farmers responded to rising profits. Upward pressures on commodity prices from EISA will ease as grain ethanol production will level off but will continue to support the market. The biodiesel industry, as well as dry mill ethanol plants, will benefit from the expansion in the extraction of corn oil from distillers’ dried grain. A major offset to the amount of corn diverted from livestock to ethanol was the increased availability of distillers’ dried grain (DDG), a mid-protein feed. As a percent of total protein feed, utilization of DDG increased from 8% in crop years 2001-2005 to 18% in 2007-2011. While retail food prices increased by 20% between 2002-2006 and 2008-2012, higher agricultural commodity prices accounted for only a 3.80% increase. Over a percentage point of this increase was due to higher energy prices which raised the cost of production on crops, reducing the agricultural commodity price contribution to 2.77%. The net effect was further adjusted downward to 2.38% to account for savings in federal farm subsidies; then adjusted upward to 2.50-2.57% to factor in the costs of the blenders’ tax credit in EISA in 2007-2011 and projected to 2021. The conclusion is that EISA and earlier energy legislation has had and will continue to have a minor impact on U.S. retail food prices, less than 2.5%. |
| Keywords: | Renewable Fuels, Economics of Renewable Fuel Policies, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midasp:150245&r=ene |
| By: | Weiwei, Wang; Khanna, Madhu; Dwivedi, Puneet |
| Abstract: | Increasing concerns about energy security and climate change mitigation have led to significant policy support for biofuels, particularly for cellulosic biofuels. This paper examines the short- and long-run effects of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on the mix of biofuel feedstocks, food, fuel and wood markets and land use change by using an economic model that integrates the agriculture, forest and transportation fuel sectors. Our results show that RFS would lead to the production of about 1600 billion liters of corn ethanol over the 2010-2035 periods, which could constitute a maximum of two-thirds of the cumulative biofuel production; the remaining mandate is met by advanced biofuels. The logging and milling residues are the primary initial providers of biomass feedstocks. After year 2025, energy crops and crop residues will play the leading role in cellulosic feedstocks production. Producing these biofuels will not cause significant land use change between and within agricultural and forest sector as compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) case. While the RFS could significantly affect production, exports and prices of crop and livestock commodities relative to the BAU case, its impacts on the forest sector is found to be relatively small except for pulpwood related products in the long term. Overall, the RFS reduces cumulative social welfare over 2010-2035 periods by $78.8 Billion relative to the BAU case. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150736&r=ene |
| By: | Palmer, Johannes (RWTH Aachen University); Sorda, Giovanni (E.ON Energy Research Center, Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN)); Madlener, Reinhard (E.ON Energy Research Center, Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN)) |
| Abstract: | We propose an agent-based model to simulate the diffusion of small PV systems among single- or two-family homes in Italy over the 2006-2026 period. To this end,we explicitly model the geographical distribution of the agents in order to account for regional differences across the country. The adoption decision is assumed to be influenced predominantly by (1) the payback period of the investment, (2) its environmental benefit, (3) the household’s income, and (4) the influence of communication with other agents. For the estimation of the payback period, the model considers investment costs, local irradiation levels, governmental support, earnings from using self-produced electricity vs. buying electricity from the grid, as well as various administrative fees and maintenance costs. The environmental benefit is estimated by a proxy for the CO2 emissions saved. The level of the household income is associated with the specific economic conditions of the region where the agent is located, as well as the agent’s socio-economic group (age group, level of education, household type). Finally, the influence of communication is measured by the number of links with other households that have already adopted a PV system. In each simulation step, the program dynamically updates the social system and the communication network, while the evolution of the PV system’s investment costs depend on a one-factor experience curve model that is based on the exogeneous development of the global installed PV capacity. Our results show that Italy’s domestic PV installations are already beyond an initial stage of rapid growth and, though likely to spread further, they will do so at a significantly slower rate of diffusion. |
| Keywords: | PV; Technological diffusion; Agent-based modeling; Italy |
| Date: | 2013–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:fcnwpa:2013_009&r=ene |
| By: | Song, Jingyu; Gramig, Benjamin M. |
| Abstract: | As environmental deterioration and global warming arouses more and more attention, identifying cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy sources is of interest to society. In addition to environmental concerns, both the high price of gasoline and the fact that the United States has heavy reliance on imports of energy have driven policymakers to find alternative energy sources. Producing biofuels from energy crops is one such alternative with relatively lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy sources. Cellulosic feedstocks such as corn stover, perennial grasses and fast growing trees are regarded as promising energy crops and are expected to help with the energy supply. This study takes a spatially explicit approach to examine fields within a watershed and explores the conditions under which the agricultural land in the watershed can meet the demand of a biorefinery. Costs of two dedicated energy crops, switchgrass and miscanthus, are compared with corn stover. A Matlab program is developed based on a genetic algorithm to minimize production cost subject to biomass production and pollution constraints in the Wildcat Creek Watershed in Indiana, USA. The process of using a genetic algorithm to solve high dimensionality mixed integer optimization problems is discussed. Results indicate that to achieve the required amount of biomass production for a minimum feasible scale thermochemical biorefinery within the watershed, miscanthus must be planted. Miscanthus also helps reduce pollutant levels (total sediment, N and P loadings) when compared to stover removal from continuous corn and corn-soybean rotations. Switchgrass is found to have similar environmental advantages, but is not economically competitive based on preliminary results that require further validation. Corn stover is the lowest cost feedstock considered, however, it results in relatively higher sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus loading than the perennial grasses considered. Relative to the baseline without stover removal, no-till in combination with stover removal results in decreased sediment loading, an increased loading of nitrogen under continuous corn and an increase in phosphorus (except at the 50% removal rate from continuous corn). There is clear tradeoff among cost, production and environmental improvement. |
| Keywords: | cellulosic biofuels, spatially explicit optimization, genetic algorithm, watershed, water pollution, SWAT, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150453&r=ene |
| By: | Jérôme Massiani (Department of Economics, University of Venice Cà Foscari) |
| Abstract: | Stated Preferences are, together with Bass diffusion and, to a lesser extent, Total Cost of Ownership, the most popular methods to forecast the future diffusion of electric and alternative fuel vehicles. In this contribution, we compare the merits and limitations of SP relative to other methods. We also review the empirical results provided by SP surveys and assess their validity for modeling market diffusion. We also propose a meta-analysis-based Synthetic Utility Function that consolidates results across various studies and can be used, for simulation purpose, in a Discrete Choice Model context. Such an approach makes the simulation results less dependent of single surveys’ idiosyncrasies, and hence is helpful for the formulation of robust policy recommendations. |
| Keywords: | Stated Preferences, Alternative fuel vehicle, market diffusion |
| JEL: | C53 O33 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ven:wpaper:2013:12&r=ene |
| By: | Cai, Yongxia; Birur, Dileep K.; Beach, Robert H.; Davis, Lauren M. |
| Abstract: | Global production of biofuels has been expanding with the enduring concerns on climate change and energy security. The U.S. Congress has established a renewable fuel standard 2 (RFS2) rule that mandates annual combined production of 36 billion gallons (bg) biofuels by 2022 (USEPA, 2010). Large scale production of biofuels results in far-reaching intended and unintended consequences on the economy and environment. In this study, a computable general equilibrium model (CGE) - Applied Dynamic Analysis of Global Economy -- ADAGE-Biofuel is developed to examine the global implications of the U.S. RFS2 policy. This model is built upon a dynamic version of ADAGE model (Ross, 2009) by introducing eight crop categories, one livestock and one forestry sectors, seven first generation biofuels, three second generation biofuels and five land categories and explicitly model land-use changes. We find out that despite of continued increase in land productivity and energy efficiency, increase in population and economic growth leads to a global-wide increase in agriculture production, rise in price of food, agriculture, biofuel and energy and land conversion from the other four land types to cropland from 2010 to 2025 when RFS2 is not implemented and biofuel consumption remain at the base year (2010) level in all the regions until 2025 (BAU scenario). The implementation of RFS2 policy would require 36.3 million ha (mha) of land for switchgrass production by 2025, where 34.8 mha from existing cropland, 0.9 mha from pasture, and 0.6 mha from managed forest land. Compared with the BAU scenario, price is projected to increase by around 5~7% for eight crops, 1.6% for livestock and 1.6% for forestry as a result of reducing production. Globally, due to reduction in agriculture exports from U.S. as a result of the RFS2 policy, all other regions would allocate slightly more land for crop and food production, leading to gentle loss of natural grassland and natural forestland, especially in Africa, which would lose 0.5 million ha of natural grassland for crop and livestock production. The RFS2 policy would bring environmental benefits too. The accumulated carbon saving from 2010 to 2025 would be arround 392 mmt c globally with 207 mmt c from fossile fuel and 185 mmt from land. Among it, U.S. alone would contribute 300 mmt c with 208 mmt c from fossile fuel and 92 mmt c from land. |
| Keywords: | Biofuels, Computable General Equilibrium, Recursive Dynamic, ADAGE, International Development, International Relations/Trade, Production Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150766&r=ene |
| By: | Weitzel, Matthias; Peterson, Sonja |
| Abstract: | -- |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifwkpb:55&r=ene |
| By: | Richard S.J. Tol (Department of Economics, University of Sussex; Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Spatial Economics, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Tinbergen Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands); Francisco Estrada (Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico) |
| Abstract: | Most functions of economic impact assume that climate change is smooth. We here propose impact functions that have stochastic climate change as an input. These functions are identical in shape and have similar parameters as do deterministic impact functions. The mean stochastic impacts are thus similar to deterministic impacts. Welfare effects are larger, and the stochasticity premium is larger than the risk premium. Stochasticity is more important for past impacts than for future impacts. |
| Keywords: | economic impact of climate change; stochasticity; risk premium |
| JEL: | Q54 |
| Date: | 2013–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sus:susewp:6113&r=ene |
| By: | Weber, Jeremy G. |
| Abstract: | Many studies find that areas more dependent on natural resources grow more slowly – a relationship known as the resource curse. For counties in the south-central U.S., I find little evidence of an emerging curse from greater natural gas production during the 2000s. Increases in population mitigated a rise in average compensation and crowding out of the non-mining sector. Each gas-related mining job created a little more than two jobs, indicating a neutral effect on resource dependence as measured by employment. Furthermore, changes in the adult population by education level reveal that greater production did not lead to a less educated population. |
| Keywords: | Natural Gas Development, Resource Curse, Multiplier, Production Economics, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q32, Q33, O13, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150407&r=ene |
| By: | Fooks, Jacob; Messer, Kent; Duke, Josh; Johnson, Janet; Parsons, George |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150401&r=ene |
| By: | Rajnish Mehra |
| Abstract: | This paper illustrates that evaluating alternate abatement polices that affect the growth path of an economy on the basis of their effects on asset valuation may not be welfare enhancing. We show that the class of abatement polices considered in the integrated assessment literature are robust with respect to the choice of a discount factor if lifetime consumption equivalents are used as a metric. We argue against a global welfare function in the presence of significant global household heterogeneity. While economic analysis is a useful tool for evaluating different policies for a homogenous class of households, inter household comparisons are an ethical issue. |
| JEL: | E44 E6 G00 G12 G31 H00 O1 Q54 |
| Date: | 2013–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:19146&r=ene |
| By: | Latta, Gregory S.; Baker, Justin S.; Beach, Robert H.; Rose, Steven K.; McCarl, Bruce A. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150293&r=ene |
| By: | Zheng, Xiaojuan; Reimer, Jeff |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150411&r=ene |
| By: | Cerruti, Davide |
| Abstract: | The paper analyzes the impact of a vehicle pollution charge (Ecopass), enforced at peak time, on nitrogen oxides concentration in Milan. Using hourly data on pollution concentration and a vector autoregressive model, I estimate the short and long run eects of the policy, the eects outside the Ecopass area and during o-peak time. Results suggest that Ecopass reduced pollution in the short run, but had no eect in the long run. The eect on zones outside Ecopass area is not homogeneous, suggesting substitution eects in some areas of the city. There is no systematic evidence of increased pollution levels during o-peak time due to Ecopass. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Public Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150575&r=ene |
| By: | Mika Kortelainen; Jibonayan Raychaudhuri; Beatrice Roussillon |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:man:sespap:1309&r=ene |
| By: | Howard, Peter H.; Sterner, Thomas |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150424&r=ene |
| By: | Khachatryan, Hayk; Joireman, Jeff; Casavant, Ken |
| Abstract: | The relationship between the consideration of future and immediate consequences (CFC) and consumer preference for gasoline, cellulose-based and corn-based ethanol fuels was investigated using data from a representative panel of U.S. consumers. A panel of U.S. consumers completed the consideration of future consequences-14 scale, and made a series of choices in fueling scenarios. Results showed that the CFC score was positively associated with the choice for alternative transportation fuels. As the CFC score increases from its minimum to maximum, the predicted probability of choosing cellulose- and corn-based ethanol fuels increases from 14% to 61%, and 22% to 30%, respectively, and the probability of choosing gasoline drops from 64% to below 10%. Additional analyses showed that the CFC-Future and CFC-Immediate subscales were unique predictors of preference for biofuels. Implications for marketing of biofuels are discussed. |
| Keywords: | consideration of future and immediate consequences, choice of biofuels, environmental behavior, discrete choice model, Consumer/Household Economics, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150334&r=ene |
| By: | Ibrahim Ahmed Elbadawi; Raimundo Soto |
| Abstract: | Natural resources have been blamed for inducing slow growth and sparking civil conflicts and violence. This paper first develops a model to account for the hazard of armed civil conflicts as a manifestation of the natural resource curse which is mediated by the quality of both economic and political institutions. We then use recently published data on institutional quality and natural resource rents to measure the potential impact of the resource curse on violent civil conflicts using a panel of data for over 100 countries in the period 1970O2010. Our model explicitly accounts for the role of good economic and political institutions in deterring the recourse to violence as well as the extent to which they might weaken the resource rents effect. |
| Keywords: | oil and natural resource curse, armed civil conflict, economic growth, democracy, political checks and balances |
| JEL: | Q34 Q38 E02 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ioe:doctra:438&r=ene |
| By: | Timothy J. Garrett |
| Abstract: | This article derives prognostic expressions for the evolution of globally aggregated economic wealth, productivity, inflation, technological change, innovation and growth. The approach is to treat civilization as an open, non-equilibrium thermodynamic system that dissipates energy and diffuses matter in order to sustain existing circulations and to further its material growth. Appealing to a prior result that established a fixed relationship between a very general representation of global economic wealth and rates of global primary energy consumption, physically derived expressions for economic quantities follow. The analysis suggests that wealth can be expressed in terms of the length density of civilization's networks and the availability of energy resources. Rates of return on wealth are accelerated by energy reserve discovery, improvements to human and infrastructure longevity, and a more common culture, or a lowering of the amount of energy required to diffuse raw materials into civilization's bulk. According to a logistic equation, rates of return are slowed by past growth, and if rates of return approach zero, such "slowing down" makes civilization fragile with respect to externally imposed network decay. If past technological change has been especially rapid, then civilization is particularly vulnerable to newly unfavorable conditions that might force a switch into a mode of accelerating collapse. |
| Date: | 2013–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1306.3554&r=ene |
| By: | Hussein, Zekarias; Hertel, Thomas; Golub, Alla |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150732&r=ene |
| By: | Collins, Alan R; Nkansah, Kofi |
| Abstract: | A survey was conducted of West Virginian land owners with completed, shale gas wells located on their property. The research objective was to determine if the separation of mineral from surface rights impacted satisfaction and problems with natural gas drilling. Split estate owners were found to have a statistically greater probability of reporting problems with drilling. Complaints by a neighbor and a residence located on the property were the only variables that consistently impacted satisfaction and reported problems throughout all three econometric models. Our results provide motivation for policies to strengthen surface owner rights. |
| Keywords: | Land Economics/Use, Production Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150128&r=ene |
| By: | Birur, Dileep K.; Beach, Robert H. |
| Keywords: | International Relations/Trade, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150560&r=ene |
| By: | Trujillo-Barrera, Andres; Pennings, Joost M.E. |
| Abstract: | Is the relationship between energy and agricultural commodities an important factor in the increasing price variability of food commodities? Findings from the literature appear to be mixed and highly influenced by the data frequency used in those analysis. A recurrent task in time series applied work is to match up data at different frequencies, while macroeconomic variables are often found at monthly or quarterly observations, financial variables are sampled daily or even at higher frequencies. In order to match up time series at different frequencies a common procedure is to aggregate the higher frequency to fit in the low frequency, this has the potential of losing valuable information, and generating misspecification. We study whether the use of mixed frequency estimations with data for the 2006-2011 period helps to improve the out of sample performance of a model that explains grain prices as a function of energy prices, macroeconomic variables such as exchange rate, interest rate, and inflation. Preliminary results suggest that an improvement is feasible, however it is tenuous beyond two months horizons. |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150465&r=ene |
| By: | Fleming, David A.; Measham, Thomas G. |
| Abstract: | Why are some economies likely to grow more slowly when facing natural resource windfalls? What are the causes and consequences of the so-called natural resource curse? These are commonly asked questions in the economics literature, where different studies have address them using different empirical methods, samples and case studies. In a detailed survey, van der Ploeg (2011) reviews 10 different hypotheses commonly used to explain the resource curse at national level. In this article we complement van der Ploeg’s survey by categorizing the 10 resource curse hypotheses into market and political factors in order to better understand the potential consequences of resource windfalls in regions or countries. We then focus on conceptualizing the resource curse at regional level, which in contrast to cross-country evaluations, has received much less attention from academics. Abstracting from environmental and land tenure issues, we develop our conceptual framework by analysing the causality trees that emerge from the two main direct economic shocks produced by resource booms in local areas: labor demand shock and income generation. These causality trees schematize the potential socioeconomic impacts that originate from these effects in a sequence of three hierarchical levels of consequences: First, migration and crowding-out of local firms’ labor, characterized mainly by the inflow of temporary and new resident workers (who also bring new income to local towns) and the movement of labor from local manufacturing and agriculture to the mining sector. Second, the migration patterns and new levels of income will increase the demand for local goods such as housing, services and others, increasing their price in the community. Third, higher demand (and prices) for local goods will produce new jobs in sectors such as construction and services, in contrast to the decline in employment likely to happen in crowded-out local manufacturing. Additional discussion is provided for the indirect socioeconomic outcomes likely to emerge from different points across these three levels of consequences. We also expand on the different factors likely to affect the RC occurrence and magnitude of effects across space. We finish by discussing some policy implications |
| Keywords: | Natural resources curse, regional development, economic growth, mining, Environmental Economics and Policy, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea13:150526&r=ene |