Trends in Norwegian stationary energy use: an international perspective

Panel: Panel 1: Assessment of Energy Efficiency Policy

Author:
Fridtjof Unander, International Energy Agency

Abstract

Energy use in the manufacturing, residential, service sectors (i.e. stationary energy) in Norway is relatively high compared to most other IEA countries. A cold climate and an energy intensive structure can partly explain this; adjusted for these two factors, Norwayôs levels of stationary energy use are just above average for the thirteen IEA countries included in this analysis.

Stationary energy use has increased in Norway since 1973, contrary to trends in most other IEA countries. This is partly because the manufacturing structure has become more energy intensive, homes have became bigger, and Norwegians today own and use more electric appliances than two or three decades ago. But as electricity and, to some extent, oil prices have been low in Norway compared to other countries over the entire period since 1973, it can also be expected that energy savings in Norway have not been as significant as in IEA countries where prices have been higher.

To estimate the effects of energy savings, changes in energy use resulting from changes in the demand for energy service are isolated from changes in energy intensities. Changes in end-use energy intensities are related to energy efficiency and hence important to track in order to evaluate energy savings over time. The results show that savings in Norway for all sectors were lagging behind other IEA countries during the 1970s. During the 1980s the rate of savings increased primarily due to reductions in manufacturing intensities. After 1990, however, energy savings in all stationary end-uses appear to have taken place at a higher rate than in most other counties.