On the conceptual development of energy statistics in terms of useful energy

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gerisch, G.¹

Note: [1] Gotthard Gerisch is head of department at the Institut für Energetik in Leipzig (German Democratic Republic). He is working on long-term development of energy systems, including the compilation of energy balances.

Abstract: The widespread interest in statistics in terms of useful energy is matched by outstanding problems encountered in their development. Statistics in terms of useful energy extend the traditional fund of energy statistics to the area of how the supplied energy is actually used in final consumption. The transformation chain of energy from primary extraction through conversion and supply to final consumption is completed regarding the final utilization of energy, describing size and structure of energy inputs into such final utilization and occurring losses. On the basis of these characteristics, and with energy conservation in mind, the following statements can be made: (a) Information on the structure and volume of losses in the final use of energy is required. (b) Existing information gaps in this regard are presently closed through special investigations. (c) Regular statistics in terms of useful energy would also respond to the above-mentioned information requirement and would provide a comprehensive and stable data basis for special investigations. In the context of demand planning, statistics in terms of useful energy enhance the possibility to describe the interrelationship between final demand for goods and services and the demand for energy. Statistics in terms of useful energy would also facilitate the R&D tasks in the field of energy utilization, primarily the detection and assessment of the potential for energy conservation.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1984-2305

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 307-324, 1984