Competing Dimensions of Energy Security: An International Perspective

Annual Review of Environment & Resources 35 (2010), pp. 77–108

49 Pages Posted: 7 Sep 2019

See all articles by Benjamin K. Sovacool

Benjamin K. Sovacool

Science Policy Research Unit; Boston University - Department of Earth and Environment; Department of Business Technology & Development

Marilyn A. Brown

Georgia Institute of Technology

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: August 30, 2009

Abstract

How well are industrialized nations doing in terms of their energy security? Without a standardized set ofmetrics, it is difficult to determine the extent to which countries are properly responding to the emerging energy security challenges related to climate change: a growing dependency on fossil fuels, population growth, and economic development. In response, this article first surveys the academic literature on energy security and concludes that it is composed of availability, affordability, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. It then analyzes the relative energy security performance, based on these four dimensions, of the United States and 21 other member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) from 1970 to 2007. Four countries are examined in greater detail: one of the strongest (Denmark), one of the most improved in terms of energy security (Japan), onewith weak and stagnant energy security (United States), and one with deteriorating energy security (Spain). The article concludes by offering implications for public policy.

Keywords: energy policy, energy poverty, energy vulnerability, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), security of supply

JEL Classification: O44

Suggested Citation

Sovacool, Benjamin K. and Brown, Marilyn A., Competing Dimensions of Energy Security: An International Perspective (August 30, 2009). Annual Review of Environment & Resources 35 (2010), pp. 77–108, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3445381

Benjamin K. Sovacool (Contact Author)

Science Policy Research Unit ( email )

Falmer, Brighton BN1 9SL
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/373957

Boston University - Department of Earth and Environment ( email )

Boston, MA
United States

Department of Business Technology & Development ( email )

Nordre Ringgade 1
Aarhus C, DK-8000
Denmark

HOME PAGE: http://pure.au.dk/portal/en/persons/id(fca10105-c4eb-4f0f-99a7-a354a8a8a47a).html

Marilyn A. Brown

Georgia Institute of Technology ( email )

Atlanta, GA 30332
United States

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