The second block of parallels focused on the economic valuation of pollution impacts, the challenges of assessing rare earth recycling and hydrogen valleys, and the broader socioeconomic consequences of energy transitions. Presentations illustrated how BCA can be used to evaluate innovative technologies, regulatory efficiency and the distributional outcomes of energy and climate policies.
This paper session showcased innovative applications of benefit–cost analysis in emerging technologies and regulatory design. Chaired by Jani-Pekka Jokinen (Aalto University), the session addressed methodological challenges and opportunities in rare earth recycling, hydrogen systems, and regulatory efficiency. Jialing Wu (CEREGE, AMU) examined how to evaluate recycling, outlining key challenges and perspectives for rare earths. Jani-Pekka Jokinen presented modelling work on the potential benefits and costs of emerging hydrogen valleys in Finland, illustrating how BCA can inform strategic energy investments. Eric Thomson (Envelope Economics) discussed the benefits of faster PMRA reviews in Canada as a case study in regulatory efficiency, demonstrating how streamlined processes can yield significant economic and social gains.
The session “Climate, Environment & Energy: Energy Shifts and Socioeconomic Outcomes”, chaired by Milan Ščasný (Charles University), focused on how energy transitions shape distributional outcomes and the role of public institutions. Milan Ščasný presented a novel M2/LIHC hybrid indicator that reveals the dynamics of energy poverty in the Czech Republic, offering a more nuanced understanding of vulnerable households. Christina Pourani (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens / RAAEY / Panteion University) discussed “Energy in Public Administration,” highlighting how regulatory authorities and public administration are adapting to the challenges of the evolving energy landscape. Together, the contributions underscored the importance of robust measurement and institutional capacity for a just energy transition.
The third session, organized and chaired by Stefan Åström (Anthesis AB), was dedicated to the economic valuation of pollution and its contribution to more effective policymaking. Opening remarks introduced the VALESOR initiative and set the stage for a series of expert contributions. Henrik Lindhjem (Menon Economics) presented new values of statistical life and their implications for pollution reduction policies. Maria Kostopoulou (Mines Paris – PSL) summarised the findings of a literature review on the economic valuation of morbidity. Daniel Herrera (Mines Paris) discussed conceptual and empirical challenges in valuing environmental health effects and outlined emerging methodological approaches. Krister Mars (Anthesis AB) demonstrated the VALESOR online valuation tool, showcasing its potential to support policy appraisal. The session concluded with a panel discussion involving all speakers, offering rich insights into how improved environmental and health valuation can strengthen evidence-based regulation.
