Abstract
Energy efficiency is essential for reducing energy consumption, increasing energy security, and reducing CO2 emissions. This paper uses stochastic frontier analysis applied to a large panel data set of 81 OECD and non-OECD countries covering the years 1980 to 2013 to estimate energy efficiency. Average energy efficiency by country group increased between 1980 and 1999 before levelling out. Recently, however, energy efficiency has declined. On average, 13% of global energy consumption can be saved by reducing transient inefficiencies. Sigma convergence is investigated. There is not much evidence to support energy efficiency sigma convergence (a reduction in the dispersion of energy efficiency across countries). Sigma divergence and energy efficiency reductions make it more difficult to negotiate international treaties on energy efficiency and climate change. Lastly, echoing previous work, we find that energy intensity is a poor proxy for energy efficiency.
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