Which statement best describes energy intensity and a way it can be reduced?

• A. Energy intensity is energy use per unit of GDP, and it can be reduced through energy efficiency, electrification with cleaner power, and structural shifts toward less energy-intensive activities.
• B. Energy intensity is total energy consumed annually by a country.
• C. Energy intensity measures carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour.
• D. Energy intensity refers to peak power demand during a crisis.

Answer: (A)

Energy intensity is energy use per unit of economic output, typically measured as energy consumption divided by GDP. It shows how efficiently an economy uses energy to produce goods and services. The statement is best because it not only defines what energy intensity is, but also outlines practical ways to reduce it: improving energy efficiency so you get more output from the same amount of energy, electrifying energy demand with cleaner power (electric technologies can be more efficient and using cleaner electricity lowers the overall energy burden and environmental impact), and shifting the economy toward activities that naturally require less energy per dollar of GDP (for example, moving from energy-intensive industry to services).

The other options mix up the concept: total energy consumed annually is outright total energy use, not energy intensity; carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour describes emissions intensity, not energy intensity; peak power demand during a crisis refers to instantaneous demand, not how much energy is used per economic output.