Relative Dirty Energy Prices and Clean Energy Consumption

The Aggregate Green Elasticity of Substitution

This paper proposes a new methodology to estimate the elasticity of substitution between polluting and non-polluting energy for the US. With a point estimate of 0.59, much closer to unity than previously thought, the energy transition will be more painful and uneven. It further suggests that subsidies are not a sufficient policy tool when used alone.

May 2025 · Rui Sousa