Paul Brockway, Steve Sorrell, Tim Foxon and Jack Miller
Summary
This chapter presents a new field of research – termed exergy economics – which offers a new perspective on the contribution of energy to economic growth. The approach is based upon the thermodynamic concept of useful exergy and the associated measures of exergy efficiency. Contrary to orthodox economics, the chapter argues that improvements in exergy efficiency are a key driver of productivity improvements, and that useful exergy is a key driver of economic growth. The chapter summarises the theoretical arguments underpinning these claims, reviews the recent empirical work in this area and highlights some of the implications.
Publication details
Brockway, P., Sorrell, S., Foxon, T. and Miller, J. 2018. Exergy economics – new insights into energy consumption and economic growth. In: Transitions in energy efficiency and demand: The emergence, diffusion and impact of low-carbon innovation [Jenkins, K.E.H and Hopkins, D. Eds.]. Routledge, UK. pp.133–154. ISBN e-book: 9781351127257
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