The drivers and barriers of electricity efficiency: Global patterns, national differences, and the role of ICT

In the IEA's 2050 Net Zero Emissions Pathway, electrification is a key strategy. Transitioning to zero-carbon energy through electrification to replace fossil fuels will inevitably increase electricity demand, making the improvement of electricity efficiency crucial. This study establishes a panel regression model to analyze the factors influencing changes in electricity intensity across 36 countries from 2000 to 2021. Unlike traditional decomposition analysis, regression analysis can consider a broader range of potential influencing factors and is not limited by the homogeneity of samples required in envelope analysis, offering greater analytical flexibility. The estimated results indicate that the main drivers of electricity efficiency are economic growth, extensive deployment of renewable energy, and rising electricity prices. A shift from industry to services slightly improves electricity efficiency. However, the main obstacles to improving electricity efficiency are population growth and less ICT industry exports. Additionally, the study analyzes country-level drivers and barriers of electricity efficiency based on each country's unique economic, industrial, and infrastructural conditions, providing insights into their distinct development patterns.