Dutch Sectoral Energy Intensity Developments in International Perspective, 1987-2005

Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper 12-049/3

30 Pages Posted: 2 May 2012 Last revised: 5 Nov 2014

See all articles by Peter Mulder

Peter Mulder

VU University Amsterdam - Department of Spatial Economics

Henri L. F. de Groot

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Tinbergen Institute

Date Written: April 29, 2012

Abstract

This paper makes use of a new dataset to investigate energy intensity developments in the Netherlands over the period 1987-2005. The dataset allows for a comparison with 18 other OECD countries. A key feature of our analysis is that we combine a cross-country perspective with a high level of sectoral detail, covering 49 sectors. Particularly innovative is our evaluation of energy intensity developments in a wide range of Service sectors. We find that across sectors energy intensity levels in the Netherlands on average decreased only marginally, and increased in Services. This performance is in general worse than the OECD average, especially between 1987 and 1995. Changes in the sectoral composition of the economy play an important role in explaining aggregate trends. In the Manufacturing sector about half of the efficiency improvements were undone by a shift towards a more energy-intensive industry structure, while in the Service sector about one-third of the decrease in efficiency was undone by a shift towards a less energy-intensive sector structure.

Keywords: Energy Intensity, Decomposition, Sectoral Analysis

JEL Classification: O13, O47, O5, Q43

Suggested Citation

Mulder, Peter and de Groot, Henri L.F., Dutch Sectoral Energy Intensity Developments in International Perspective, 1987-2005 (April 29, 2012). Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper 12-049/3, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2049320 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2049320

Peter Mulder (Contact Author)

VU University Amsterdam - Department of Spatial Economics ( email )

De Boelelaan 1105
Amsterdam, 1081 HV
Netherlands
+31205982371 (Phone)

Henri L.F. De Groot

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ( email )

De Boelelaan 1105
Amsterdam, 1081 HV
Netherlands
0640494981 (Phone)
2135 DL (Fax)

Tinbergen Institute

Gustav Mahlerplein 17
Amsterdam, 1082 MS
Netherlands

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
39
Abstract Views
688
PlumX Metrics