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Current Workings...This section lists papers and articles by members of HELIO's network. Some may be works in progress, others may be documents prepared for conferences or workshops. All contribute to the discussion of safe, sustainable access to energy. |
Annotated Bibliography: Energy, climate change and ecodevelopmentHELIO Staff
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'Civil' Nuclear Programme - serving the dual objectives of retaining the state's hegemony on citizens' basic energy needs and assuring supply of weapon grade ingredients: a case study on IndiaDipankar Dey, PhD - HELIO Reporter/India
Abstract
In contrast to North America and most of Western Europe, where growth of nuclear power has been level for a number of years, the greatest growth in nuclear generation in the near future is expected in China, Japan, South Korea and India.
Why have the emerging economies of India, China, Brazil et al., aligned themselves with the nuclear establishment without fully exploiting other alternative energy sources? This paper explores answers to this question.
The Indian experience suggests that in addition to energy, the nuclear reactors can also produce the necessary ingredients for atomic bombs. Citing the loopholes of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and the inability of the regulators to perform their expected role, this paper suggests a complete phase out of nuclear energy programs to make this world free of nuclear weapons.
Author Information
Dipankar Dey, PhD
ICFAI Business School, Kolkata,(IBS-K)
Plot # J-3, Block, GP, Sector V
Salt Lake City, Kolkata, 700 091, India
dip_dey (at) hotmail.com ddey(at) ibsindia.org
Climate Change and Rising Importance of the Indigo EconomyDipankar Dey, PhD - HELIO Reporter/India
Abstract
One result of climate change is the division of the global economy into two broad economic categories; ‘green’ and ‘indigo’ economies. The ‘indigo economy’ represents economic activities which use primarily dirty and polluting production processes. A ‘green’ economy is one that minimises pollution. Industrialised countries are increasingly using cleaner technologies to minimise pollution. They are also relocating dirty industries to developing countries. These developing countries instead of developing ‘green’ economies and developing ‘indigo’ ones by absorbing increasing amounts of industrial pollutions incurred through relocated industries.
Using Hindu methodology as an allegory, this paper analyses the rising importance of the ‘indigo economy’ in the context of the present climate change debate.
Author Information
Dipankar Dey, PhD
ICFAI Business School, Kolkata,(IBS-K)
Plot # J-3, Block, GP, Sector V
Salt Lake City, Kolkata, 700 091, India
dip_dey (at) hotmail.com ddey(at) ibsindia.org
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Delivering Energy Efficiency: commentary
Rod Janssen - Energy Consultant - HELIO Member
In October 2007, the Energy Charter Secretariat (ECS) published a report, Delivering Energy Efficiency, for the 2007 Environment for Europe Ministerial in Belgrade.The study detailed the progress made in Europe in recent years in implementing energy efficiency policies and programmes.The report was a follow-up to a similar one prepared for the 2003 Ministerial.
The following paper is a commentary about the major trends that have developed since the writing of the 2003 report. The commentary is personal and does not reflect the views of the Energy Charter Secretariat.
Author Information
Mr. Rod Janssen
Energy Consultant
19, rue Paul Féval
Paris 75018
France
rod.janssen (at) gmail.com
Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Indian ExperienceDipankar Dey, PhD - HELIO Reporter/India
Abstract
India, with a population of over 1.10 billion is one of the fastest growing economies of the world. As domestic sources of different conventional commercial energy are drying up, dependence on foreign energy sources is increasing. There exists a huge potential for saving energy in India. After the first "oil shock" (1973), the government of India realized the need for conservation of energy and a Petroleum Conservation Action Group was formed in 1976. Since then many initiatives aiming at energy conservation and improving energy efficiency, have been undertaken but no such initiative has been successful. In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze the changing importance of energy conservation/efficiency measures which have been initiated in India between 1970 and 2005.Challenges that the government of India is likely to face in the near future are also highlighted.
Author Information
Dipankar Dey, PhD
ICFAI Business School, Kolkata,(IBS-K)
Plot # J-3, Block, GP, Sector V
Salt Lake City, Kolkata, 700 091, India
dip_dey (at) hotmail.com ddey(at) ibsindia.org
Energy Efficiency Policy Explained: an introductionRod Janssen - HELIO Member
Abstract
Improved energy efficiency is important in any country regardless of the energy used per capita, the level of energy imports or the state of the economic development. No country can afford to simply waste energy but all too often it does. There are many reasons, but they are often rationalisations or excuses. There is no inherent right to waste energy.
This report is designed to help decision-makers better understand the benefit of an energy efficiency strategy and to provide some help in actually implementing such a strategy.
Author Information
Mr. Rod Janssen
Energy Consultant
19, rue Paul Féval
Paris 75018
France
rod.janssen (at) gmail.com
Energy Security via Improved GovernanceHélène Connor, Ph.D, Mithra Moezzi, Ph.D., Laura E. Williamson, M.A. - HELIO Members
Paper prepared for NEEDS Forum 2: Energy Supply Security - Present and Future Issues (Krakow, Poland 5 & 6 July 2007)
Abstract
The definition of security means the absence of danger. However when working to mitigate the potentially dangerous elements of a situation we must be careful not to focus on the easiest solutions, fitting them into a pre-defined equation of what constitutes security. Recently, a number of bottom-up approaches have been developed that focus on promoting local resilience strategies and localised energy planning. So far, however, they restrict their analysis mainly to quantities, prices, technologies and common externalities, items which can be somewhat measured, whereas the mortar of security and resilience are good social and cultural practices which cannot be quantitatively measured. It is this mortar that can ensure long-term energy security. To take this issue into consideration new social capital has to be developed and we will also suggest a tool that should be put at the citizens' disposition.
Author Information
Helene Connor, PhD
HELIO International
56, rue de Passy
75016 Paris
France
helene.connor (at) helio-international.org| laura.williamson (at) helio-international.org|mmmoezzi (at) mail.com
Evaluating Energy Efficiency Policies and MeasuresTudor Constantinescu and Rod Janssen - HELIO Member
Abstract
Energy efficiency policies are gaining momentum throughout Europe by means of EU-wide directives and other national initiatives. Measures are developed to implement these policy instruments, but to what extend do they succeed?
There is a clear need for both ex-ante and ex-post evaluation of energy efficiency measures to ensure that plans are developed in a cost-effective measure and results are bringing more benefits than costs.
A number of factors have led to an increased need to monitor, analyse and evaluate quantitatively the impact of energy efficiency measures.
The paper looks into current evaluation methods based on recent Energy Charter and IEA analysis and how it works in practice.It will try to provide a review of the approaches that proved to be successful in evaluation of energy efficiency policies and measures internationally.
Author Information
Mr. Tudor Constantinescu
tudor.constant (at) gmail.com
Mr. Rod Janssen
Energy Consultant
19, rue Paul Féval
Paris 75018
France
rod.janssen (at) gmail.com
Global Warming, Nuclear Power and Resurgence of Renewable Energy: a Political Economic Analysis of the Major Issues in the Choice of Energy Supplies with Special Reference to IndiaDipankar Dey, PhD - HELIO Reporter/India
Abstract
Arguments in favor of nuclear power have been revived in recent years especially in emerging economies like India. Proponents of the nuclear power put forward three key e arguments to justify their demand:1) nuclear energy is safer today due to induction of better and safer technology; 2) nuclear energy is a better option for mitigation of carbon emission and for combating global warming; and 3) India needs nuclear energy to sustain its projected rate of economic growth.
This paper first looks at the rationale behind these three arguments. It then looks at alternative energy initiatives elsewhere in the world and highlights alternative energy options for India that have not yet been considered by the country's energy planners.
Author Information
Dipankar Dey, PhD
ICFAI Business School, Kolkata,(IBS-K)
Plot # J-3, Block, GP, Sector V
Salt Lake City, Kolkata, 700 091, India
dip_dey (at) hotmail.com ddey(at) ibsindia.org
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Harmonising Energy Efficiency
Rod Janssen - HELIO Member
Abstract
Increasing energy efficiency is an important tool for mitigating climate change. According to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook, energy efficiency can contribute as much as 65 percent to greenhouse gas emissions reductions in 2020. To promote and accelerate the deployment of more energy-efficient technologies, energy efficiency policies are increasingly used.
Energy efficiency policies include Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy labeling, which are the focus of this paper. These requirements can however form trade barriers, especially when differing per region or country, limiting trade flows in energy-efficient goods and technologies. As international trade has been increasing, so have efforts, at the global and especially the regional level, to harmonize energy efficiency standards.
This paper, outlines and puts into context energy efficiency requirements and their related harmonization efforts. In so doing, the implications of these efforts for developing countries are considered in par ticular.
The paper shows that even though generally speaking developing countries lag behind in developing and implementin g national energy effic iency policies, in some large developing countries there have been many new developments. However, the situation is different for smaller developing countries, which mainly camp with policy related problems. Often the policy commitment to make capacity and resources available to develop and implement energy efficiency requirement lacks. Unfor tunately this means that there are many benefits to developing countries that go unrealized, which in many cases is due to a lack of awareness.
Author Information
Mr. Rod Janssen
Energy Consultant
19, rue Paul Féval
Paris 75018
France
rod.janssen (at) gmail.com
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Les impensés de la gouvernance : La pertinence politique de la participation de la société civile Hélène Connor, Ph.D, Christelle Braun, Doctorante - HELIO Members
Contexte
Alors que les questions énergétiques prennent une importance croissante dans les débats actuels et bien que les sources d'information et de sensibilisation à destination du grand public se multiplient, les pouvoirs officiels de décision en matière énergétique restent réservés aux tenants de l'offre énergétique, généralement fortement liés aux pouvoirs publics, frustrant ainsi les citoyens de toute possibilité naturelle de faire valoir leurs choix et d'influencer les politiques adoptées.
Cet unilatéralisme, prédominant dans la plupart des pays quel que soit leur niveau de développement, a pourtant démontré son inefficacité écologique puisqu'il n'a pu empêcher l'aggravation de la pollution, aussi bien au niveau local qu'à l'échelle mondiale, entraînant notamment les contaminations et les catastrophes climatiques que nous connaissons aujourd'hui.
Dans le cadre du Grenelle de l'Environnement, les associations ont invité la France à Suvrer en faveur de la mise en Suvre de structures équilibrant la gouvernance énergétique et dotant les citoyens de moyens officiels d'intervention leur permettant d'influencer les décisions futures en matière d'énergie. Quelques exemples vont être donnés qui prouvent que lorsqu'existe une certaine démocratie énergétique, un espace d'échange et de partage des décisions, les résultats bénéficient à tous. Le temps des 'plaidoyers' est terminé, les citoyens ont des droits légitimes pour décider de leur avenir énergétique.
Author Information
Helene Connor, PhD and Christelle Braun
HELIO International
56, rue de Passy
75016 Paris
France
helene.connor (at) helio-international.org | christelle.braun (at) helio-international.org
Liberating Energy AnalysisMithra Moezzi - Ph.D, HELIO Member, Françoise Bartiaux Ph.DUniversity of Louvain
Prepared as a contribution to ECEE 2007 Summer Study programme
Abstract
The energy analysis research and policy community faces a strong internal set of traditions and curbs that are socially and fiscally desirable to follow. They take form in a set of conventionalized frameworks and assumptions, operating separately from and sometimes contradicting scientific ideals.These frameworks constrain what can be said and limit the scope in which hesitations, contraindications, and doubts can be recognized.This denial allows us to press on with our work, but locks out a possibly vital set of hidden knowledge and unaddressed questions. The community knows much more than it has found a way to work with.Toward liberating this knowledge, we focus on the field's constraints, so that they can become a topic of conversation and reveal potential margins of manoeuvre for change. We identify a set of frameworks facing energy policy analysts, implementers, and researchers that serve as a sort of motive power behind these constraints.
Author Information
Mithra Moezzi, PhD
Ghoulem Research
USA
mmmoezzi (at) gmail.com
Françoise Bartiaux
Institute of Demography
University of Louvain (UCL)
Place Montesquieu, 1/17
1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium
bartiaux (at) demo.ucl.ac.be
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“Opening Up” and “Closing Down” Power, Participation, and Pluralism in the Social Appraisal of TechnologyAndy Stirling - Ph.D, HELIO Member Abstract Discursive deference in the governance of science and technology is rebalancing from expert analysis toward participatory deliberation. Linear, scientistic conceptions of innovation are giving ground to more plural, socially situated understandings. Yet, growing recognition of social agency in technology choice is countered by persistently deterministic notions of technological progress. This article addresses this increasingly stark disjuncture. Distinguishing between “appraisal” and “commitment” in technology choice, it highlights contrasting implications of normative, instrumental, and substantive imperatives in appraisal. Focusing on the role of power, it identifies key commonalities transcending the analysis/participation dichotomy. Each is equally susceptible to instrumental framing for variously weak and strong forms of justification. To address the disjuncture, it is concluded that greater appreciation is required—in both analytic and participatory appraisal—to facilitating the opening up (rather than the closing down) of governance commitments on science and technology.
Author Information
Mr. Andy Stirling
Freeman Centre
University of Sussex
Brighton BN1 9RH
United Kingdom
A.C.Stirling (at) sussex.ac.uk
Regulations and Standards in Energy Efficiency: the role and importance of effective compliance
(WEC-ADEME case study on energy efficiency measures and policies)
Rod Janssen - HELIO Member
Abstract
Promoting energy efficiency requires a range of policy options. One set of options is regulations and standards, which provide long-term signals and can be applied in all end-use sectors. However, the use of regulations and standards depends on good implementation and effective compliance. This paper focuses on the importance of compliance; how it is addressed in regulatory measures that are being used to promote energy efficiency; and, what can be done to improve compliance.
Regulations and standards apply not only to specific technologies and systems, e.g. refrigerators or buildings, but are also used to regulate the availability and quality of information, particularly at the point-of-sale such as in the labelling of energy-using equipment or vehicles. Regulations and standards can also be used to require:
energy managers in large companies, or within an industry sector itself, to monitor and report overall energy use to government;
energy companies to undertake specific, end-use energy efficiency activities including measuring their energy use.
While regulations and standards are normally mandatory, voluntary schemes on labelling or energy performance can also have a similar impact. This paper, therefore, looks at both the mandatory and voluntary sides of compliance.
Author Information
Mr. Rod Janssen
Energy Consultant
19, rue Paul Féval
Paris 75018
France
rod.janssen (at) gmail.com
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