Energy Policy in Iran and International Commitments for GHG Emission Reduction

Context and Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have been established to stabilize the amount of GHGs in the atmosphere. In this regard, Kyoto Protocol (KP) has been ratified to facilitate the implementation of the UNFCCC. This paper aimed to evaluate Iran’s energy policy adaptation with UNFCCC and KP goals. We used a statistical analysis method based on expert judgment. An analytical hierarchal process was used for prioritization of indicators. A comparative study conducted to evaluate adaption rate. By conducting expert judgment we found five selected indicators. These indicators have been selected from six main group of indicators used in environmental performance evaluation. We defined a composite index by integrating the selected indicators. Namely: Energy intensity, Energy consumption growth rate, energy consumption per capita, the amount of CO2 emission, and the share of renewable sources of energy in the energy consumption. Also we found a group of countries with same economic growth status with Iran based on the global competitive index of the world economic forum. The analysis shows in spite of Iran paid considerable attention to energy policies but its energy policies adaptation with UNFCCC and KP has not improved. We compared Iran’s adaptation status with other countries. Iran has the highest energy intensity and CO2 emission in comparison with the selected countries and it is one of the last seven countries based on other indicators. It shows Iran does not have an acceptable status in this regard. Finally, we proposed some policy recommendations.