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Environmental Efficiency Assessment of Tunisian Thermal Power Plants in the Presence of Technological Heterogeneity: Non-Parametric Meta-Frontier

Author

Listed:
  • Mahdhi Ali

    (Higher Institute of Industrial Management, University of Sfax, Technopole of Sfax 3021, BP 1164, Tunisia)

  • Belgaroui Meriam

    (Université de Tunis, ESSECT, 1089, Montfleury, Tunisia)

Abstract

This paper assesses the environmental efficiency (EE) of 18 thermal power plants (TPPs) in Tunisia from 2005 to 2013, considering technological heterogeneity and CO2 emissions. Using a non-parametric meta-frontier approach based on the hyperbolic distance function with undesirable outputs, the study evaluates both environmental and technological performance. Results indicate that all TPPs exhibit inefficiency, with Meta-Environmental Efficiency (MEE) scores below 1. Combined-cycle plants achieve the highest efficiency (MEE = 0.967), followed by GAS TURBINE TGE9000 (0.780) and GAS TURBINE 20/30 (0.531). The decomposition of MEE into group environmental efficiency (GEE) and technology gap (TGP) scores suggests that inefficiency in GAS TURBINE TGE9000 plants stems from technological constraints, while the underperformance of GAS TURBINE 20/30 plants is linked to operational management. Combined-cycle plants serve as benchmarks, underscoring the need to transition toward this technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Econometric analysis reveals that meta-environmental efficiency is significantly influenced by plant characteristics and external factors. The post-revolution period and fuel consumption negatively impact efficiency, whereas plant age and size exhibit a positive effect. The robustness of these findings is confirmed through two econometric models - the random effects Tobit regression and truncated regression bootstrap - both yielding consistent results. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers in designing strategies to improve environmental efficiency in Tunisia’s electricity sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahdhi Ali & Belgaroui Meriam, 2025. "Environmental Efficiency Assessment of Tunisian Thermal Power Plants in the Presence of Technological Heterogeneity: Non-Parametric Meta-Frontier," Economics, Sciendo, vol. 13(2), pages 415-438.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:econom:v:13:y:2025:i:2:p:415-438:n:1020
    DOI: 10.2478/eoik-2025-0047
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Abhinav Jindal & Rahul Nilakantan, 2022. "Regulatory independence and thermal power plant performance: evidence from India," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 61(1), pages 32-47, February.
    2. Barros, Carlos Pestana & Peypoch, Nicolas, 2008. "Technical efficiency of thermoelectric power plants," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 3118-3127, November.
    3. Nakaishi, Tomoaki & Takayabu, Hirotaka & Eguchi, Shogo, 2021. "Environmental efficiency analysis of China's coal-fired power plants considering heterogeneity in power generation company groups," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Environmental Efficiency; Hyperbolic Distance Function; Meta-Frontier; Power Plant; CO2 Emissions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C24 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Truncated and Censored Models; Switching Regression Models; Threshold Regression Models
    • C67 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Input-Output Models
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • Q4 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics
    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities

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