The role of exergy in energy policy making

This paper deals with the utilization of exergy as an efficient tool for energy policy making applications since exergy is a measure of quantity and quality of the energy sources unlike energy which is only about the quantity. In addition, energy and exergy concepts are evaluated for various actual processes, and the role of exergy is discussed for energy and environment policy making activities from several key perspectives, e.g. quality, energy conservation, environment, economy, and sustainable development. The results of this study exhibit that the potential usefulness exergy in addressing and solving environmental problems as well as attaining sustainable development is crucial. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.