The productive structure and consumption of final energy in Spain: an input-output analysis from a production perspective

Using an alternative input-output analysis based on the responsibility of the production of the total output of each sector, we determine the relevant sectors in energy consumption in Spain. Our approach offers a different and complementary vision to the usual analyses based on the responsibility of the final demand to help guide environmental and energy policies. The analysis also enables us to observe the importance of final energy consumption by type for the different sectors. We use the input-output table for 2015 from INE and data on energy consumption from EUROSTAT. The most relevant sectors in terms of the energy consumption that their total production induces in other sectors are Food, beverages and tobacco products and Construction, while various service sectors also stand out for inducing energy consumption in other sectors. In these sectors, policy measures aimed at improving the efficiency in the use of energy-intensive inputs and the substitution of these inputs by others less energy intensive would be effective. The most relevant sectors for being induced to consume energy by the production of other sectors are Electricity and gas and Land Transport. The incorporation of technological improvements aimed at improving energy efficiency, as well as the adoption of best practices, would be more effective in these sectors. Finally, the most important sectors due to their own final demand are Electricity and gas, and Coke and refined. In these sectors, policies aimed at reducing their final demand would be effective.

Automated summary

Using an alternative input-output analysis, we determine the relevant sectors in energy consumption in Spain based on the responsibility of sector production. Our approach offers a different perspective to guide environmental and energy policies. The analysis highlights the importance of energy consumption by different sectors. Measures to improve energy efficiency and substitute energy-intensive inputs would be effective in sectors like Food, beverages and tobacco products and Construction, while sectors like Electricity and gas and Land Transport would benefit from technological improvements and best practices. Policies aimed at reducing the final demand of sectors like Electricity and gas, and Coke and refined would be effective.