A Multistage Input-Output Model for Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Energy Systems

A systems model to describe the production of energy is developed. The model considers the efficiency and environmental impact of each stage (extraction, storage, conversion, transmission, etc.) of alternative energy-producing chains (e.g., electric power from coal, oil, etc.). The analytical form of the model is identical to an input-output scheme with technological coefficients that depend upon the specific inputs and efficiencies of each of the stages. An example is presented to show the application of the model to analyze the relationships between energy systems´ efficiency and environmental impact.