节能减排:能源经济学理论和政策实践

Conserving energy and lowering emissions: energy economics theory and its application in policy

能源经济学是经济学的重要分支,它为研究能源问题提供了规范的经济学分析方法和评价手段。一般经济学的基本原理和分析方法适用于能源经济研究。然而,除了与能源技术相关的问题,一些经济学中的问题在能源经济领域尤其特殊、重要而显著。中国的国情决定必须节能,中国在节能减排过程中付出的努力注定比发达国家要大得多。这就要求我们吸取发达国家的经验教训,结合中国国情,采取有效的、最小成本的节能减排措施,着重在战略和政策方面有所突破和创新。就国内而言,政府的能源战略和政策原则应该是在支持能源公平的同时不丧失能源效率。就代际而言,战略决策中应尽可能考虑后代人的利益,能源战略甚至应当考虑与生活方式的相关问题。在国际上,争取能源和环境公平应当是战略和政策的要点。短期从低价能源中获得的小便宜,即使有,也会让我们陷入长期的能源陷阱。整个能源市场和价格机制的建立与完善需要一定的时间,但是越早越好。

As an important branch of economics, energy economics provides standard economics analysis methods and appraisal approaches for energy research. General economic principles and analysis methods are applicable to energy economic research. However, some economic issues are particularly special, important and notable in the field of energy economics besides issues in connection with energy technology. China’s national situation necessitates energy conservation, and it has inevitably had to make far greater efforts in this area than its more developed counterparts. This means that we must learn from the experiences of developed nations, adopting the most cost-effective energy conservation and emissions-reduction measures applicable to China and striving for breakthroughs and innovations in strategy and policy. As for domestic energy equality, governmental energy strategies and policies should support energy equality and conserve energy efficiency in principle. Regarding future generations, it is crucial that strategic decisions take their interests into account; indeed, energy strategy should even take lifestyle issues into account. Striving for energy and environmental equality is a critical aspect of strategies and policies in the world. Small advantages acquired from low- price energy in the short term will lead us into a long-term energy trap. Establishment and improvement of the whole energy market and price mechanism will take some time, so it is best done sooner rather than later.