Energy and inventories

The progressive consumption of the nonrenewable energy stocks is determining wide fluctuations in the cost of energy (primarily gas and oil), influencing both absolute values and volatility, and leading to attention on the strategic role and function that these resources play in the economy and life in general. It is well known that the debate has quickly spread to encompass other issues, such as the availability of alternative resources, including nuclear power generation; the scarcity of the “classic” sources, such as fossil fuels; and the impact on the environment (e.g., Rout et al. 2008). Similarly, there has been growing interest for a more rational and responsible consumption of energy in the industrial processes and services, this being not only a fundamental issue for sustainable production, but also a strategic leverage for competitiveness, due to the increased contribution of energy to the final cost per unit produced. Inevitably, these issues will exert, and are already exerting, an increasing and noticeable influence on the management of supplies and inventories, thus opening new horizons and opportunities for research in this field.