Double accounting in energy footprint and related assessments: How common is it and what are the consequences?
2021
Usubiaga-Liaño, A. | Arto Olaizola, Ignacio | Acosta-Fernández, J. | European Commission
The number of input-output assessments focused on energy has grown considerably in the last years. Many of these assessments combine data from multi-regional input-output (MRIO) databases with energy extensions that completely or partially depict the different stages through which energy products are supplied or used in the economy. The improper use of some energy extensions can lead to double accounting of some energy flows, but the frequency with which this happens and the potential impact on the results are unknown. Based on a literature review, we estimate that around a quarter of the MRIO-based energy assessments reviewed incurred into double accounting. Using the EXIOBASE MRIO database, we also analyse the effects of double accounting in the absolute values and rankings of different countries and products energy footprints. Building on the insights provided by our analysis, we offer a set of key recommendations to MRIO users to avoid the double accounting problem in the future. Likewise, we conclude that the harmonisation of the energy data across MRIO databases led by experts could simplify the choices of the data users until the provision of official energy extensions by statistical offices becomes a widespread practice. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Show more [+] Less [-]IA thanks the support of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities , through the project MALCON , RTI 2018-099858-A-I00 , the Spanish State Research Agency through María de Maeztu Excellence Unit accreditation 2018–2022 (Ref. MDM-2017-0714 ), the Basque Government BERC Programme, and the EU H2020 project LOCOMOTION (GA no 821105 )
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