Energy Sources at the Level of the European Union – Current Situation and Perspectives

Abstract

In this study, the authors took into account the current situation and the perspectives of energy sources at the level of the European Union, starting from the objectives of the European Union, which assume the reduction of GHG emissions until 2030 and the net zero objective until 2050. The scenarios regarding the development of renewable energy sources were analysed and it was highlighted that although there are some differences between them, the share of renewable sources in the final gross energy consumption at the level of the European Union will not exceed the threshold of 45% until the year 2030. The need to develop the electrical infrastructure, that can support the transport of a significantly larger amount of electricity produced by renewable energy sources (hydro, wind, solar and others) was also studied. Also, the potential for energy development from various sources was analysed one by one. Thus, the evolution of wind energy was taken into account, highlighting the fact that the development of this source was slowed down by some constraints such as the authorizations and administrative issues. The use of solar energy had a development in recent years that it can say has somewhat exceeded expectations. The authors also propose measures that can contribute to the acceleration of the energy transition process differentiated by the categories of stakeholders involved. The complexity of the phenomenon requires joint measures that  must be adapted to the specifics of each European country, taking into account the endowment with energy resources, the geopolitical context and the involvement of consumers.