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Energy subsidies are measures that keep prices for consumers below market levels or for producers above market levels, or reduce costs for consumers and producers. Energy subsidies may be direct cash transfers to producers, consumers, or related bodies, as well as indirect support mechanisms, such as tax exemptions and rebates, price controls, trade restrictions, and limits on market access. They may also include energy conservation subsidies. The development of today's major modern energy industries have all relied on substantial subsidy support. Fossil fuel subsidies reached $90 billion in the OECD and over $500 billion globally in 2011. Renewable energy subsidies reached $88 billion in 2011.〔() EU wind industry faces tough challenge - and politicians should not make it worse] EWEA 04 Feb 2013〕 If we also take into account the price difference offered to developing countries of the fossil fuels (in developing countries, fossil fuels are sold below the regular price), then fossil fuels are subsidised with an additional 550 billion dollars per year.〔(Maria van der Hoeven on fossil oil subsidies )〕 According to Fatih Birol, Chief Economist at the International Energy Agency without a phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, we will not reach our climate targets.〔(Fossil fuel subsidies are “public enemy number one” – IEA Chief ) EWEA 04 Feb 2013〕 The IMF estimates that for 2015 the economic cost of energy subsidies worldwide will amount to US$5.3 trillion, or US$10 million every minute.〔Damian Carrington (18 May 2015). (Fossil fuels subsidised by $10m a minute, says IMF ). ''The Guardian.'' Retrieved 19 May 2015.〕 This is not to be confused with actual amount of subsidies which are projected to amount to around US$333 billion for 2015.〔(IMF WP - How Large Are Energy Subsidies (May 2015) )〕 This would be a decrease from 2014 which reflects the slump in oil prices rather than policy changes. == Overview == Main arguments for energy subsidies are: * Security of supply – subsidies are used to ensure adequate domestic supply by supporting indigenous fuel production in order to reduce import dependency, or supporting overseas activities of national energy companies. * Environmental improvement – subsidies are used to reduce pollution, including different emissions, and to fulfill international obligations (e.g. Kyoto Protocol). * Economic benefits – subsidies in the form of reduced prices are used to stimulate particular economic sectors or segments of the population, e.g. alleviating poverty and increasing access to energy in developing countries. * Employment and social benefits – subsidies are used to maintain employment, especially in periods of economic transition. Main arguments against energy subsidies are: * Some energy subsidies counter the goal of sustainable development, as they may lead to higher consumption and waste, exacerbating the harmful effects of energy use on the environment, create a heavy burden on government finances and weaken the potential for economies to grow, undermine private and public investment in the energy sector.〔 Also, most benefits from fossil fuel subsidies in developing countries go to the richest 20% of households.〔 * Impede the expansion of distribution networks and the development of more environmentally benign energy technologies, and do not always help the people that need them most.〔 * The study conducted by the World Bank finds that subsidies to the large commercial businesses that dominate the energy sector are not justified. However, under some circumstances it is reasonable to use subsidies to promote access to energy for the poorest households in developing countries. Energy subsidies should encourage access to the modern energy sources, not to cover operating costs of companies. The study conducted by the World Resources Institute finds that energy subsidies often go to capital intensive projects at the expense of smaller or distributed alternatives. Types of energy subsidies are: * Direct financial transfers – grants to producers; grants to consumers; low-interest or preferential loans to producers. * Preferential tax treatments – rebates or exemption on royalties, duties, producer levies and tariffs; tax credit; accelerated depreciation allowances on energy supply equipment. * Trade restrictions – quota, technical restrictions and trade embargoes. * Energy-related services provided by government at less than full cost – direct investment in energy infrastructure; public research and development. * Regulation of the energy sector – demand guarantees and mandated deployment rates; price controls; market-access restrictions; preferential planning consent and controls over access to resources. * Failure to impose external costs – environmental externality costs; energy security risks and price volatility costs. * Depletion Allowance – allows a deduction from gross income of up to ~27% for the depletion of exhaustible resources (oil, gas, minerals). 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Energy subsidies」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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