An input-output based net-energy assessment of an electricity supply industry. (15th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmer, Graham
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 141(2017)
• Page Start: 1504
• Page End: 1516
• Publication Date: 2017-12-15
• Subjects: Net-energy -- EROI -- Input-output analysis; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.11.072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Electricity systems process and upgrade crude feedstock energy from the natural environment using high quality energy inputs, including diesel and electricity. The ratio of electricity output to the energy inputs is termed the energy-return-on-investment (EROI) and may be an important metric linking energy consumption and standard of living. Environmentally extended input-output analysis (EEIOA) can be used to determine the energy flows through an economy with a monetary use-table and a satellite energy account. This study applies an EEIOA analysis to the Australian electricity supply industry, disaggregating the feedstock from the energy inputs, and further disaggregating electricity generation from transmission, distribution and on-selling. We calculated the system EROI at 40:1 for 2013–14. The electricity generation industry is energetically economic, in the sense that a relatively small energy input leverages a much greater magnitude of electricity generation and distribution. However, the leveraging has been achieved at the expense of a high feedstock extraction rate and commensurate emissions. We find that the industry is cost constrained rather than EROI constrained. This is the first study to examine the net-energy of electricity at a system level, and establishes a baseline for exploring future low-emissions scenarios. Highlights: EROI is an important metric linking energy and standard of living. We conducted an input-output analysis to estimate the EROI/GEPR. We calculated an EROI/GEPR of 40:1 for Australian electricity. Lowering Australian emissions may lower the system EROI/GEPR. EROI can inform potential energetic constraints.