Identifying the key sectors and paths of the embodied energy in BRICS nations: A weighted multilayer network approach

Abstract

BRICS nations, as a representative of emerging economies, have rapid economic growth and frequent trade activities, which result in a large amount of embodied energy flow (the embodied energy of BRICS accounts for about 42.3% of the global embodied energy) in the BRICS and all over the world. This article uses multilayer network model to study the embodied energy of the BRICS. By using the weighted degree and betweenness centrality indicators, key sectors and key paths are identified. The results show that the embodied energy circulation in BRICS is still dominated by industry and natural resources sectors, such as Petroleum, Chemical and Non-Metallic Mineral Products sector. The analysis of the key paths allows us to understand Russia and South Africa are exporters of embodied energy, China is an intermediate transmission country, and India and Brazil are importers. The roles of the five countries are different, and they need to perform their own duties, cooperate with collaborative governance, to achieve energy-saving, environmentally-friendly, and efficient development of the BRICS.