A Comparative Analysis of the Energy Consumption Pattern Reform Law with OECD Countries' Experiences

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

1 School of Energy Engineering and Sustainable Resources, College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Due to the rapid and unsustainable growth of energy consumption in Iran and its attendant consequences on the economy, environment, and energy security, the government enacted the Energy Consumption Pattern Reform Law in 2010. This legislation was Iran’s first comprehensive legal regime for the oversight of energy consumption. However, a number of studies have indicated that the enactment of the law has not been successful due to challenges such as institutional ineffectiveness, lack of an enforcement mechanism, and the coordination of multiple agencies. The current study, framed with the concepts of energy governance and policy instrument frameworks, conducts a structural and content analysis of the Energy Consumption Pattern Reform Law, then conducts a comparative analysis on the experiences of selected OECD nations (Germany, Japan, and Denmark) in the domain of energy consumption management and consumption. The comparative analysis indicates that OECD nations manage to reduce energy intensity considerably, which is reflective of the fact that they possess the experience and use of measures that include independent regulatory bodies, targeting incentives, economic instruments and public education programs. These countries have utilized law levels of independence, quantifiable targets, and required regular performance assessments. These measures have limited effectiveness in Iran. Finally, the paper suggests modifications to the energy consumption pattern reform law, improves law enforcement of the policy, creates measurable indicators, and identifies replicable examples from the international community to enhance energy efficiency as part of a sustainable development transition in Iran.

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Main Subjects

Journal of sustainable Energy Systems

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 April 2026

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