Methods for evaluating effects of energy efficiency improvement on carbon dioxide emission reduction

Global warming due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is a matter of serious concern. Energy efficiency improvement has been considered to be the most effective strategy for reducing CO2 emissions. The acceleration of R&D for energy technologies which have large effects on CO2 emission reduction should be effective in abating global warming. In this study, the author proposes a method for evaluating the effects of energy efficiency improvement on CO2 emission reduction. This method utilizes a compact energy system model combined with analytical calculations. Using this method, effects of energy efficiency improvement in Japan in the year 2030 are analyzed. Energy efficiency improvement in thermal power generation, nuclear power generation, and heat utilization are especially effective in reducing CO2 emissions. The author estimates that CO2 emissions per capita can be stabilized at the present level by energy efficiency improvement.