The congestion total-factor energy efficiency of regions in Taiwan

Abstract

This study applies the congestion total-factor energy efficiency model to analyze the energy efficiency of 20 administrative regions in Taiwan from 2004 to 2013, by studying four kinds of energies: amount of electricity for manufacturing industry use, amount of electricity consumed for lighting, amount of gasoline sales, and amount of diesel sales. The main findings are that: (i) in terms of these four energies, only Taipei City, Taitung County, and Penghu County among the 20 administrative regions exhibit no phenomenon of energy input congestion during the whole data period; (ii) more attention should be put on energy efficiency improvement in diesel use than on electricity for manufacturing industry use, electricity consumption for lighting, and gasoline usage; and (iii) the energy efficiency outcomes in Taiwan correlate to the country's regional development features such as its tourist regions, including Taitung County and Penghu County, which have nature, green, and environmental protection characteristics.