We apply the stochastic frontier of translog production function to estimate the efficiencies of Chinese coal-fired power plants, using a survey sample of 300 power plants over 5 years from 2004 to 2008 for estimation. By taking into account, the ages of generators and a technological factor...

The main purpose of this paper is to define indicators of sustainable development which take into account the economic constraints imposed by the laws of thermodynamics. Firstly, a survey of some essential work about the relationships between economics and thermodynamics is proposed. Secondly,...

With less than 2% of new renewable energy production, Switzerland is a poor performer in international comparison. A study carried out for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy showed constraints explaining this low number. One of these is a need for companies to optimize their sales process....