Factor decomposition for global and national aggregate energy intensity change during 2000–2014

Abstract

Intensity indicators are indispensable for monitoring global sustainability. Here aggregate energy intensity (AEI) was established to measure global sustainable energy resources utilization. Compared to traditional energy intensity, AEI integrates energy consumption and its concomitant economic gains. On this basis, temporal variation of global and regional AEI and its sectoral driving factors were examined. Results show that global AEI has declined by about 9% during 2000–2014. Electricity dominated (46%) global AEI composition and it pulled down global AEI with merely 1%, which was primarily brought by the falling share of electricity in global economy rather than electricity AEI decline. Regionally, AEI in most world areas (39/44) has declined, only five economies (Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and India) held a rising AEI, which was motivated by their increased AEI and consumption proportion for carbon-intensive sectors. The marked rise in domestic energy intensity and import share were critical factors for the increased AEI of electricity, metal, and non-metal sectors in these regions. Policymaking targeted at adopting measures that reduce domestic energy intensity and consumption share for carbon-intensive sectors in economically backward regions was recommended for the purpose of mitigating global AEI.