Energy Subsidies in Argentina Lead to Inequalities and Low Thermal Efficiency

• Main Author: Alejandro D. González
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2009-09-01
• Series: Energies
• Subjects: energy subsidies; thermal efficiency; improvements; savings
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/2/3/769/

Natural gas is the main energy resource for buildings in Argentina. Since 2002, subsidies have kept the prices of this fuel between 9 and 26 times lower than regular prices in other countries. The lowest prices are the result of climate-related subsidies. In cold areas, heating uses several times more energy than locations in Europe with a similar climate. A potential for consumption reductions of up to 70% suggests a very low building thermal performance. The main barriers to finding a solution are the heavy subsidies and public unawareness. Users, government officials, and construction professionals do not identify the very low thermal efficiency. Energy policies to encourage improvements are proposed.