World Input-Output Database Environmental Accounts

This report describes the approach adopted for the update of the World Input-Output Database (WIOD) environmental accounts for the period 2000-2016. In constructing the WIOD-based energy and emission accounts we follow closely the methodology developed by Genty et al. (2012), with some adjustments due to changes in system boundaries, which are further detailed. This report illustrates the data adjustment steps required to reconcile energy and economic data which stem, for example, from different accounting principles. Special care has been taken to address problems related to time series breaks in order to achieve a smooth transition between the years 2009 and 2010 at the intersection between the original and new WIOD releases. Results for EU countries are compared with other data sources such as the previous WIOD time series, the Physical Energy Flows Accounts (PEFA) and the National Accounts Matrices with Environmental Extensions (NAMEA) showing a satisfactory goodness of fit, with some exceptions. A final comparison of the inter-temporal structure across periods is proposed in order to identify possible reasons of changes in the patterns of gross energy use.JRC.B.5-Circular Economy and Industrial Leadershi

FIDELIO 3 manual: Equations and data sources

FIDELIO (Fully Interregional Dynamic Econometric Long-term Input-Output) is a multi-sectoral model developed by the unit B.5 of the Directorate General Joint Research Centre (JRC) — the circular economy and industrial leadership unit. Compared to neoclassical CGE models — which assume that the perfect flexibility of prices and quantities ensures the full use of the factors of production at all times — FIDELIO integrates some new-Keynesian features: consumption adjusts slowly to its optimal level according to an error correction model and wages do not clear the labour market. The assumptions that prices do not clear the markets and market "imperfections" exist generate the dynamics of the model that is solved sequentially (recursive dynamic). In addition, FIDELIO is an econometric model since the calibration of most of the behavioural parameters of the model (dynamic adjustment lags of prices and quantities, and elasticities) is based on econometric estimations. This technical report illustrates the third version of the FIDELIO model, FIDELIO 3. The changes introduced in the subsequent versions of the model have two main objectives. The first one is to increase the coverage of the model. The second one is to improve the efficiency and the capacity of the model to evaluate sustainable production and consumption policies. The aim of this report is twofold. First, it contains all the equations of the current version of the model; second, it illustrates the characteristics of the data used by FIDELIO 3.JRC.B.5-Circular Economy and Industrial Leadershi

Technological capabilities for innovation activities across Europe: Evidence from wind, solar and bioenergy technologies

The paper contributes to renewable energy innovation metrics through an explorative approach of innovation patterns across European countries in 2010. Localized innovation capabilities at work describe the health of the wind, solar and bioenergy sectors pointing out a concentrated RES innovation activity within four countries: Germany, France, United Kingdom and Denmark. The association of technological capabilities along the innovation composite indicator allows the extraction of useful insights of the role of environmental policies upon employment and technological change. In a nutshell, the corporate research investment per patent is lower for wind energy (EUR 0.61 million), and higher for PV and biofuel (around EUR 1 million). For all technologies, the evolution of the market drives the patterns of innovation activities, with considerable consequences in the context of globalization.JRC.F.6-Energy Technology Policy Outloo

Localised knowledge, local policies and regional innovation activity for renewable energy technologies: Evidence from Italy

This paper investigates the mechanism of locally induced innovation activities in the field of renewable energy technologies (RET). A panel data analysis from 1998 to 2007 across 20 Italian regions identifies the primary drivers of renewable energy patenting activity. As expected, the localised stock of knowledge, local researchers and regional public research subsidies contribute significantly to the development of innovation activities. Additionally, regional characteristics, such as regional energy dependence and hydroelectric resources, are effective in determining the RET innovation patterns. Specifically, regional hydroelectric power acts as a substitute input and hence hampers the innovation activities in the field of RET. Finally, RET innovation activities depend to a limited extent on the political orientation of regional councils, thereby confirming prior research on the role of social acceptance of and political support for technology development. Highlighting the role of local resources and local policies for RET innovation activities, the present research has potential implications for economies that strive to become more self-reliant and less import intensive in the knowledge sector.JRC.F.6-Energy Technology Policy Outloo

Geography of innovation, geography of research

La thèse examine la répartition spatiale des innovations et de la recherche, donnant une importance particulière aux externalités de connaissances. En regard attentif est accordé au rôle des champs scientifiques spécifiques en tant que fournisseurs des externalités, nécessaires au développement industriel régional. L'enquête repose sur trois piliers. En premier lieu, on étudie la mesure dans laquelle la recherche appliquée et la recherche fondamentale font l’objet d'une diffusion des connaissances. L'investigation vise à identifier les déterminants de la répartition spatiale de l’innovation en France et chez ses voisins(la Belgique et l’Allemagne). En second lieu, l'interdépendance du développement scientifique constitue un fondement pour la performance économique et scientifique régionale. L'analyse cherche à comprendre les raisons de la mobilité scientifique, partant du constat que l'innovation est le résultat des interactions spatiales entre la structure d'innovation d'un district et sa structure de connaissances: les innovations (et les scientifiques) ont tendance à se concentrer dans les endroits où ils trouvent des connaissances nécessaires pour le développement d'activités innovantes(Feldman 1999). Nous terminons l'enquête par une évaluation de la production scientifique régionale et de sa capacité d'attirer d’autres agents. En analysant les mécanismes déterminant la diffusion des connaissances, on examine si l'emplacement et l’ampleur des relations spatiales sont déterminés par la distribution spatiale des chercheurs et par les spécialisations scientifiques. La thèse a des applications dans les domaines de la géographie de l'innovation et de l'évaluation scientifique.The thesis investigates the spatial distribution of innovation and research, giving a particular importance to the importance of knowledge spillovers. A particular attention is given to the role of specific scientific fields as suppliers of externalities, needed for local regional development. The investigation is three folded.First, we are investigating the extent to which both applied and fundamental research are subject of diffusion The investigation seeks to identify the determinants of spatial distribution of innovations in France and its nearest neighbors (Belgium and Germany).Secondly, the inter-dependencies of scientific development are the basis of the economic and scientific regional performance. The investigation seeks to understand the reasons for scientific mobility, departing from empiric fact that innovation is the outcome of spatial interactions between the innovative structure of a district and its knowledge structure(Feldman 1999): innovations(and scientists) tend to concentrate in the locations where they find knowledge that is necessary for the development of innovating activities.We end the investigation by an evaluation of regional scientific production and its capacity of attraction of other agents. In analysing the mechanisms underlying knowledge spillover, we examine whether location and dimensions of spatial relations are driven by the spatial distribution of researchers and scientific specializations. The thesis has applications in the fields of geography of innovation and science evaluation

Market regulation and environmental productivity changes in the electricity and gas sector of 13 observed EU countries

The paper explores the way the environmental technical efficiency and productivity in the electricity and gas sectors of 13 EU countries have changed under the energy market reorganisation fostered by the EU energy reforms between 1995 and 2013. Using a multiple output distance function approach, we find that regulation encouraging privatisation and removing barriers to entry into the market had positive consequences on both environmental technical efficiency and the growth of environmental productivity. We find that the sector has made significant steps in improving its competitiveness and environmental sustainability, showing an annual average potential of 5.9% value-added gains and 5.6% CO2 emissions reductions. However, the improvements in environmental performance differ greatly across countries and, at times, come at the expense of economic benefit whereas environmental productivity change (3.2%) grew slower than the productivity change that did not account for emissions. Regarding improvements in environmental productivity, the main source came from environmental technical change (2.4-2.8%), underlying the role of research and development on energy transition.JRC.B.5-Circular Economy and Industrial Leadershi

2012 JRC wind status report: Technology, market and economic aspects of wind energy in Europe

The wind energy sector uses a mature yet continuously improving technology. The reliability of wind turbines and the efficiency of energy capture are both high, yet continue to improve with new designs, new components and new materials. Even non-technological aspects such as project management, better forecasts of wind energy production and better risks assessment are contributing to increasing the competitiveness of wind power and reducing its overall cost. This is sometimes achieved even if some cost areas can occasionally increase, e.g. capital costs due to the better quality of components. To further increase reliability, scientists and designers require better knowledge of loads, load effects and electrical effects in the mechanical and electrical parts of the turbine. They also require materials and basic components (e.g. electronic components of the electricity subsystems) that can stand higher temperatures and perform better at normal operating temperatures. In some areas reliability is improved through more redundancy of equipment, in particular in control and power electronics. The technological aspects of wind energy include: • Wind turbine components: blades, forgings (e.g. main shafts), castings (e.g. hubs, bearing housings and bed plates), pitch, control and yaw systems, generator, gearbox, bearings and shafts, and power electronics. • Design for manufacture, transport and installation; turbine assembly. • Offshore foundations design and manufacture; and foundations, cable and turbine installation. • Substations: switchgear, transformers, cables, circuit breakers, etc. The world wind market and the European offshore sectors are continuously growing although European onshore wind growth is less significant. Overall, the global annual market remains stable at around 40 GW of installed capacity, but this figure hides huge variations between individual markets. Cumulative installed capacity reached 240 GW at the end of 2011 and is expected to reach 285 GW at the end of the current year (2012). The 2011 manufacturers market continued to be dominated by Vestas and, as in 2010, it included four Chinese firms among the top-ten. However, the changes in the Chinese market are very significant as the 2010 market leader Sinovel (and 2nd worldwide) is now 7th worldwide. European firms, General Electric (US) and Suzlon (India) have a truly international reach whereas Chinese firms are still confined to the Chinese market. Capital expenditure (CapEx) or cost for wind installations vary greatly worldwide: unit costs in some countries can be triple those in other countries. Overall, 2011 CapEx for onshore wind averaged 1 580 €/kW, if Chinese and Indian installations are excluded (due to different cost methodologies), and the offshore figure reached 3 500 €/kW although from a low installed capacity basis. Operational costs (OpEx) are also very different onshore (21 €/MWh) and offshore (32 €/MWh, figures depend on assumptions such as capacity factors). There is a clear trend to lower prices in both CapEx and OpEx, possibly steeper in onshore than offshore OpEx and with very significant potential in offshore CapEx. This report presents a snapshot of the current situation of the wind sector from a technology and market perspective, and a detailed analysis of the economics of wind. It is the first of a series of annual reports which will not only include annual developments but also specific, one-off research into technology aspects of the wind sector.JRC.F.6-Energy systems evaluatio