Abstract
This paper outlines some very real issues with the use of energy returnon investment (EROI) for comparing different energy delivery pathways, particularlywhen directly comparing EROI calculated at the scale of a single energy facility (asa ratio of full lifetime energy transfers) with that calculated at the scale of ageographical region or industry (as a ratio of annual energy flows). While these tworatios may converge, it is only under a very specific set of circumstances. The aimof this paper is to outline this issue in detail and provide some specific examplesof the difference between these two ratios for the global wind and photovoltaicsindustries.
Highlights
In a recent paper, Brockway et al highlight ‘apples and oranges’ nature of comparing the energy return on investment (EROI) of oil at the wellhead with electricity production from renewable technologies (Brockway et al 2019)
Brockway et al calculate the EROI using annual industry data from IEA and input–output models to extend the oil delivery pathway to include transmission and conversion to electricity, since this is often not done perhaps a fairer comparison might
Be calculating the EROI when comparing the energy service of an internal combustion vehicle fueled by oil-derived gasoline with a battery-electric vehicle powered by electricity generated from renewable resources
Summary
Brockway et al highlight ‘apples and oranges’ nature of comparing the energy return on investment (EROI) of oil at the wellhead with electricity production from renewable technologies (Brockway et al 2019). This is not a fair comparison, just as we would not directly compare the price of oil, or perhaps coal, with the price of electricity.
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