The productive structure and consumption of final energy in Spain: an input–output analysis from a production perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using an alternative input–output analysis based on the responsibility of the production of the total output of each sector, we determine the relevant sectors in energy consumption in Spain. Our approach offers a different and complementary vision to the usual analyses based on the responsibility of the final demand to help guide environmental and energy policies. The analysis also enables us to observe the importance of final energy consumption by type for the different sectors. We use the input–output table for 2015 from INE and data on energy consumption from EUROSTAT. The most relevant sectors in terms of the energy consumption that their total production induces in other sectors are “Food, beverages and tobacco products” and “Construction,” while various service sectors also stand out for inducing energy consumption in other sectors. In these sectors, policy measures aimed at improving the efficiency in the use of energy-intensive inputs and the substitution of these inputs by others less energy intensive would be effective. The most relevant sectors for being induced to consume energy by the production of other sectors are “Electricity and gas” and “Land Transport.” The incorporation of technological improvements aimed at improving energy efficiency, as well as the adoption of best practices, would be more effective in these sectors. Finally, the most important sectors due to their own final demand are “Electricity and gas,” and “Coke and refined.” In these sectors, policies aimed at reducing their final demand would be effective.