The Effect of Energy-Saving Investment on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

에너지절약투자의 온실가스 배출 감소 효과

This paper analyses the impact of energy-saving investment on Greenhouse gas emissions using a model of energy demand in Korea. SUR method was employed to estimate the demand equation. The econometric estimates provide information about the energy price divisia index, sector income, and energy saving-investment elasticities of energy demand. Except for energy price divisia, the elasticities of each variable are statistically significant. Also, the price and substitution elasticities of each energy price are similar to the results reported by the previous studies. The energy-saving investment is statistically significant and elasticities of each sector is inelastic. Using the coefficient of energy-saving investment and carbon transmission coefficient, the amount of reduction of energy demand and the reduction of carbon emissions can be estimated. The simulation is performed with the scenario that the energy-saving investment increase by 10~50%, keeping up with Equipment Investment Plan of 30% increase in energy-saving investment by 2000. The results show that the reduction of energy demand measured as 11.2% based upon 1995's level of the energy demand, in industrial sector. Accordingly, the carbon emissions will be reduced by 11.3% based upon 1995's level of the carbon emissions in industrial sector.