• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.335-356
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• 2011

In this paper, we attempted to suggest a way to evaluate appropriateness and efficiency for the energy consumption structure. For this, based on Markowitz (1952)' mean-variance portfolio model, we constructed an optimal fossil fuel mix. In constructing the optimal mix, we first defined returns on fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) as TOE (Ton of Oil Equivalent) per $1. Then, by using the dynamic latent common factor model, we decomposed the growth rates of the returns on each fossil fuel into two parts : the common part and the idiosyncratic part. Finally, based on the results from the dynamic latent common factor model, we constructed the optimal fossil fuel mix implied by the mean-variance portfolio model. Our results indicate that for the fossil fuel mix to be on the efficient frontier, it is crucial to reduce oil consumption as low as possible. Moreover, our results imply that it is more efficient to increase natural gas consumption rather than coal consumption in reducing oil consumption. These results are in line with the strategies for the future energy consumption structure pursued by Korea and indicate that reduction in oil use can improve overall efficiency in energy consumption.