Energiverdien

Energiverdien is a term used in energy economics and policy discussions to describe the overall value delivered by energy systems to society, beyond the market price of energy itself. The idea treats energy provision as a bundle of benefits and costs that affect welfare, including reliability, affordability, access, environmental impacts, and public health.

Conceptually, energiverdien encompasses multiple dimensions. These include the reliability of energy supply, price stability for consumers and firms, and equitable access to affordable energy. It also covers environmental footprints, such as greenhouse gas emissions and air quality impacts, as well as indirect effects on economic activity, innovation, and health outcomes. Some researchers view energiverdien as a composite index that combines indicators like system reliability, energy affordability, emissions intensity, energy intensity of the economy, and resilience to disturbances.

Measurement and use vary across studies, with different weighting schemes and data requirements. Because of this, cross-study comparisons can be difficult. Energiverdien is discussed as a tool for policy evaluation, investment prioritization, and climate strategy, helping to illuminate how energy choices influence social welfare beyond direct bills.

Limitations include the lack of a standardized definition and methodology, which can lead to methodological bias or double counting. Data availability and regional differences also hinder comparability. Proponents argue that a transparent framework for energiverdien could complement traditional cost–benefit analyses in energy planning.

See also: value of electricity, social cost of carbon, energy security, levelized cost of energy.