Energy Efficiency: Indicator, Estimation, and a New Idea

Abstract

Energy efficiency has long been an important issue to the global economic and political theaters; however, searching for an effective and concise measure for efficiency remains a contentious and intriguing topic. There are two obvious flaws with the commonly used metrics in existing literature. First, there is a sense of confusion and misunderstanding between the definitions of energy efficiency and efficacy. As a result, the formulae and methods for measuring efficiency are often the subject of criticism. Second, even if the definition of efficiency is clear, the method of estimation can be quite cumbersome, making it difficult to comprehend or implement. This study attempts to address these two issues. With an OECD comparative dataset, it first presents the contradiction between efficiency and efficacy, explains the loss of effectiveness with the existing measurements, and then proposes a new and easy-to-use method for gauging energy efficiency, so that the succinctness and robustness of the measurement can be re-established. The paper serves as a guide to those who are interested in the controversial issues related to measuring energy efficiency. Both practitioners and policy makers will find an easy and reliable tool from this paper for measuring energy efficiency.

Assessment of the Impact of Managing Large Energy-Using Users on National Energy Efficiency of Vietnam

“…In general definition, energy efficiency describes the ratio between the benefit gained and the energy used. Energy efficiency is a conceptual term that is commonly used across a wide range of areas such as engineering, architectural design, production activities, management, organization, economics, and numerous important policy design and development initiatives (Chen et al, 2020). Energy efficiency describes the ratio between the benefits gained and the energy used (Huan and Hong, 2021).…”

Development of Energy Efficiency Action Plan at Provincial Level of Vietnam

“…"Energy efficiency" is a conceptual term that is commonly used across a wide range of areas such as engineering, architectural design, production activities, management, organization, economics, and numerous important policy design and development initiatives (Shove, 2018). The concept of EE is diverse depending on perspectives, approaches, contexts and characteristics of research subjects (Huan and Hong, 2021), the meaning may vary depending on the domain, target, or purpose of use (Chen et al, 2020). When considering EE, the International Energy Agency (IEA) defines something to be more EE when it is able to provide more services with the same energy input or provide the same services with less energy input (International Energy Agency, 2014).…”

“…Besides, EE is not only keep an important issue to the economic issues (Chen et al, 2020) but challenges the very structure of our global society and covers issues like economics, politics, business management and each individual's lifestyle choices (Solnørdal and Foss, 2018). At the national perspective, using EE brings significant environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, limiting climate change, limiting risks due to uncertainties can occur due to fluctuations in fuel prices and exhaustion those enable sustainable development of a nation (Huan and Hong, 2021).…”