Energy Quality - Energy Quality in Biophysical Economics (indirect Energy Transformations)

Energy Quality in Biophysical Economics (indirect Energy Transformations)

The notion of energy quality was also recognised in the economic sciences. In the context of biophysical economics energy quality was measured by the amount of economic output generated per unit of energy input (C.J. Cleveland et al. 2000). The estimation of energy quality in an economic context is also associated with embodied energy methodologies. Another example of the economic relevance of the energy quality concept is given by Brian Fleay. Fleay says that the "Energy Profit Ratio (EPR) is one measure of energy quality and a pivotal index for assessing the economic performance of fuels. Both the direct and indirect energy inputs embodied in goods and services must be included in the denominator." (2006; p. 10) Fley calculates the EPR as the energy output/energy input.

DIFFERENT HIERARCHICAL RANKS OF ENERGY FORM QUALITY
HIGHEST QUALITY
Ohta Ranking Odum Ranking
Electromagnetic Information
Mechanical Human Services
Photon Protein Food
Chemical Electric Power
Heat Food, Greens, Grains
River-water potential
Consolidated Fuels
River Chemical energy
Mechanical
Tide
Gross Photosynthesis
Average wind
Sunlight
LOWEST QUALITY

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