Energy Efficiency, Energy Conservation and Determinants in the Agricultural Sector in Emerging Economies

Abstract

Improving energy efficiency and conservation is integral to sustain agricultural growth in emerging economies. This paper investigates the energy efficiency and energy-saving potential of the agricultural sector of 27 emerging economies using a stochastic frontier approach and Shephard distance function, and their determinants are examined using the Tobit quantile regression model. Results revealed that energy efficiency in the agricultural sector fluctuated during the period from 1998 to 2017. The median average energy efficiency was estimated at 0.74, and the cumulative energy-saving potential was estimated at 542.80 million tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe), which can be achieved by eliminating energy inefficiency alone. Differences exist in energy efficiency and energy-saving potential across continents, with higher potential in Asia and lower potential in Europe. Economic structure, urbanization and GDP per capita have negative influences on agricultural energy efficiency. Energy mix and pesticide use are significant drivers of energy efficiency, while the ratio of agricultural land that has varied influences different quantiles. Policy implications include optimization of the energy mix, economic structure and pesticide use.

Estimating Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving Potential in the Republic of Korea’s Offshore Fisheries

“…Energy efficiency, Energy saving potential, Energy inefficiency determinants Lin and Wang [42] Iron and steel industry (China) Lin and Long [43] Chemical industry (China) Xie et al [44] Transport industry (China) Xu et al [45] 285 cities (China) Liu et al [47] 141 countries Liu et al [48] Agricultural sector (27 emerging countries) Lin and Du [46] 30 provinces (China) Energy efficiency, Energy saving potential Khraiche et al [49] 44 European countries…”

“…Notably, this study found that economic globalization positively impacted energy efficiency. Liu et al [48] estimated the average energy efficiency of the agricultural sector in 27 emerging countries to be 0.74 and calculated the energy saving potential at 542.80 MTOE. Using a Tobit model, this study identified determinants of energy efficiency.…”

Intersectoral Production–Energy Consumption Linkages and Roles of Multifactor Productivity and Energy Inflation in Developed Countries

“…Local food-saving systems are also an indirect contributor (Schneider & Smith, 2009). The success of these strategies, however, may be restricted by urbanization and population growth, as well as economic growth as evidenced by Liu et al (2021).…”