Spatial Analysis of the Progress of Energy Transition in Europe

The aim of the presented research was to conduct a spatial analysis of the progress of energy transition in countries of the European Union. The energy transition is understood as replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the energy efficiency of the EU economy. The analysis used statistical data obtained from Eurostat. These data were subjected to spatial analysis, enabling the identification of hot spots and clusters representing spatial variations in the degree of transformation progress. This allowed for the identification of countries with similar dynamics of change, as well as the differences between clusters. The weights of the explanatory variables and the energy transition progress index (ETPI) were also determined. The results obtained allowed the proposal of strategies and energy policies for individual clusters. The ETPI clearly shows that more than half of the EU countries have values of this index below their average. The maximum value of the index is 67% (for Denmark), and only two countries achieved an index of 50%. Therefore, even the leaders of the transition did not achieve their goals completely. There are still areas that need improvement, such as the decarbonization of transportation, industry, and construction. Countries that are lagging behind in their transition should implement measures to accelerate the achievement of decarbonization goals, both in the short term and strategically.