Energy production and consumption in the European Union - assessment of changes in the aspects of sustainability and the energy self-sufficiency

Abstract

Purpose: The study discusses the issue of energy sustainability of the EC countries from the point of view of renewable energy sources, energy consumption and energy dependence and general energy demand of the economy. The study aims to identify and evaluate the key characteristics of the energy sector of the European Union countries in 2016. Design/Methodology/Approach: The information used in the comparative analysis includes the data published in EUROSTAT and the BP Statistical Review of World Energy reports. The data applied to the characteristics of global trends in energy production and consumption in regards to self-sufficiency and sustainability of the energy sector im EU. Findings: The analysis shows that despite the common challenges, the membership countries show significantly different levels of completion of climate and energy goals established by the E. The EC countries often represent different approaches to the issues related with the production and consumption of primary energy. The first approach can be observed in most Western European countries in which the energy production is mainly based on renewable sources and meet a minor part of the economy’s energy demand. The second approach is represented by the Central and Eastern European countries and focus on self-sufficiency and security of their own energy systems in which the production of primary energy is better balanced with consumption, however, the contribution of renewable sources is small. Practical Implications: The recommendations resulting from the analyses may be used as a valuable source of information for the entities and institutions responsible for developing the tasks undertaken as part of the environmental policies. Originality/Value: The results supplement previous research on the analysis of sustainability and self-sufficiency of the energy sector of the EU countries.