Theoretical foundations for the research of energy conservation and energy efficiency

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of energy conservation and energy efficiency issues at industrial enterprises of Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to explore the essence of these categories and to analyze different approaches to the interpretation of these terms by domestic and foreign scientists. The paper also aims to determine the main factors affecting the energy efficiency, as well as the negative consequences of inefficient use of energy resources. Upon examination of existing approaches, the author clarifies the definition of such notions as “energy conservation” and “energy efficiency” and proposes to understand “energy efficiency” as a wider notion than “energy conservation”. If the first one means “useful, effective”, the second one means only “reduction in use” of energy resources. On the basis of this analysis, the main features of energy efficiency are determined. Unlike energy conservation, energy efficiency always results in economic benefit, as well as ecological and social advantages. The paper also draws attention to such a notion as “rebound effect” of energy efficiency, which is in the spotlight of studies of foreign scientists, but is not studied appropriately in domestic scientific literature. The research also provides the analysis of energy consumption in Ukrainian industrial sector during 2007-2014, which showed downward trend in consumption of energy resources during these years.