Conceptualizing and Measuring Energy Security: A Synthesized Approach

Energy 36 (2011) 5343-5355

36 Pages Posted: 17 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

Ishani Mukherjee

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Date Written: August 30, 2011

Abstract

This article provides a synthesized, workable framework for analyzing national energy security policies and performance. Drawn from research interviews, survey results, a focused workshop, and an extensive literature review, this article proposes that energy security ought to be comprised of five dimensions related to availability, affordability, technology development, sustainability, and regulation. We then break these five dimensions down into 20 components related to security of supply and production, dependency, and diversification for availability; price stability, access and equity, decentralization, and low prices for affordability; innovation and research, safety and reliability, resilience, energy efficiency, and investment for technology development; land use, water, climate change, and air pollution for sustainability; and governance, trade, competition, and knowledge for sound regulation. Further still, our synthesis lists 320 simple indicators and 52 complex indicators that policymakers and scholars can use to analyze, measure, track, and compare national performance on energy security. The article concludes by offering implications for energy policy more broadly.

Keywords: Energy security, Security of supply, Energy poverty

JEL Classification: O44

Suggested Citation

Sovacool, Benjamin K. and Mukherjee, Ishani, Conceptualizing and Measuring Energy Security: A Synthesized Approach (August 30, 2011). Energy 36 (2011) 5343-5355, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3445378

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

Ishani Mukherjee

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy ( email )

Singapore, 259772
Singapore

HOME PAGE: http://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/faculty/mukherjee-ishani/

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