Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies International Atomic Energy Agency United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Energy Agency Eurostat European Environment Agency

METHODOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION 
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: The elements that constitute this indicator 
are primary energy supply and fuel requirements (oil, gas, coal, etc.), and electricity. 
Net energy import is calculated as imports minus exports, both measured in oil 
equivalents. Imports and exports are the amounts that have crossed the national 
territorial boundaries of a given country, whether or not customs clearance has taken 
place. A negative value for net imports indicates that the country is a net exporter. 
Oil: Quantities of crude oil and petroleum products imported or exported under 
processing agreements (i.e. refining on account) are included. Quantities of oil in 
transit are excluded. Crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL) and natural gas are reported 
as coming from the country of origin; refinery feedstocks and petroleum products are 
reported as coming from the country of last consignment. 

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Re-exports of oil imported for processing within the country are shown as exports of 
products from the processing country to the final destination. 
Coal: Imports and exports are the amount of fuels obtained from or supplied to other 
countries, whether or not there is an economic or customs union between the relevant 
countries. Coal in transit is not included. 
Electricity: Amounts are considered as imported or exported when they have crossed 
the national territorial boundaries of a given country. 
If accurate data are not available on imports and exports, then net imports can be 
estimated as energy use less production, both measured in oil equivalents. 
(b) Measuring Methods: This indicator is computed by calculating the ratio of net 
imports to consumption if the country is a net importer, or the ratio of exports to 
production if the country is a net exporter. 
The indicator is computed for primary energy, in total and by fuel and electricity.