Dynamic Analysis of the Similarity of Objects in Research on the Use of Renewable Energy Resources in European Union Countries

Abstract

The energy transformation towards renewable energy sources in the conditions of climate change and the accompanying climate risk is a priority for all countries in the world. However, the degree of advancement of activities in this area varies significantly between countries, which is the result of different activities for renewable energy sources in individual countries. The aim of this article is to determine the trends of changes in the area of the use of renewable energy sources in EU countries. The study uses TMD (taxonomic measure of development) methods and dynamic classification, which allowed to distinguish typological groups of objects with similar dynamics of the studied phenomenon. The EU 28 countries were analyzed. Statistics (Eurostat database) are provided for the period 2004–2019. As a result of the research, it was found that the Scandinavian countries and the countries of Western Europe were characterized by the highest stability in terms of the use of renewable energy sources over time. These countries also recorded the smallest increases in TMD. On the other hand, the unfavorable situation in terms of stability was observed mainly in the countries of Southern Europe.

Energy Innovation for Individual Consumers in Poland—Analysis of Potential and Evaluation of Practical Applications in Selected Areas

“…The diverse directions of such an impact provide the basis for the development of innovation in this field, strongly demanded in the socio-economic dimension, driving its development. In this context, the promotion of this direction of change is strongly emphasised in the literature, where sustainable development is captured as a critical direction in the evolution of the world's economies, and the role of households in this process is widely explored and highlighted [47,48]. The positive impact of RES in this area is emphasised, among others, by A. Biernat-Jarka et al, who conducted a similar study on practical choices of RES solutions, drawing attention to their role in reducing the level of energy poverty, which in Poland affects as much as 9% of the community [49], as energy expenses constitute one of the main burdens on household budgets [50] E. J. Szyma ńska et al in a similar strand of research point to similar choices in practical terms, articulating at the same time the barriers to the development of this dimension of household activity [44], which, as noted by D. Štreimikien ė et al are gradually being eliminated in the world [51].…”

The Consumption of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) by the European Union Households between 2004 and 2019

“…Germany is followed by France, with an energy production of 17.6% and the United Kingdom with 10.6%. Italy 8.8%, Spain 8.7%, Poland 5.0% and Sweden 4.8% are also responsible for 3 4 of total energy production in the EU [102].…”

Sustainable development and the degree of implementation of European Union environmental directives

“…An opportunity to improve air quality is provided by renewable energy sources that generate minimal waste (Panwar et al, 2011) and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus preventing climate change (Bąk et al, 2021). Economic and social development increases energy demand.…”