However, the processes by which this progress emerges have not been conducive to formal economic analysis. Rather than wait for a satisfactory model, economists must treat new technology as an unexplained but vital element of energy markets. A related consequence is that established energy sources get almost all the attention. Economics can say little about products that have not emerged.
Research in Energy Economics
Scholarly study of the issues in energy economics ranges from massive tomes to short articles. Government and international agencies, consulting firms, industrial corporations, and trade associations also produce a vast body of research in energy economics.
The Practitioners
The practitioners of energy economics variously identify themselves as energy economists, mineral economists, natural resource economists, and industrial organization economists. Separate professional societies exist to represent each of three specialties: resource and environmental economics, mineral economics, and energy. These associations do not interact with one another In addition, academic programs exist in each of these areas.
Specialties and Subdisciplines
In each case, quite different bases created the specialties. Energy economics as a separate field emerged with the energy turmoil of the 1970s. Many people were suddenly drawn into dealing with energy issues and felt a strong need for organizations exclusively dealing with their concerns.
This is a free page. This page contains 194 words. This
article contains 1,746 words (approx. 6 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Article with our Energy Economics Access Pass.
