Changes in the production of energy from renewable sources in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

The main aim of this paper was to determine changes in renewable energy production in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The specific objectives were to assess the degree of concentration of renewable energy and the pace of changes in the volume of production of this energy from individual sources in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to determine the structure according to renewable energy sources to show the directions of changes. Central and Eastern Europe countries were covered in the research, meaning that a total of 23 countries were included in the analysis. The data used in the study was obtained from the IRENA and World Bank databases. The research period covered the years from 2011 to 2019. For data analysis, the following methods were used: Index methods, Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and Grade Data Analysis. The development of the renewable energy sector and modernisation of the energy structure are of great importance for countries to meet their climate obligations. Large-scale energy production from renewable sources could reduce a 60% reduction in the temperature rise. Additionally, such activities will contribute to an increase in energy efficiency by 90%. The energy transition would also bring more comprehensive social and environmental benefits. Thus far, researchers have dealt with energy consumption-related problems in Central and Eastern Europe countries. This article focuses on the production of renewable energy in countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The article fills the research gap in this area. It refers to the situation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe at a time when developing renewable energy has become very important. In our analysis, we examine renewable energy production in countries located in one region but are and are not EU members. Thanks to this, it will be possible to observe differences in terms of belonging to economic groups. In the case of the pace of changes and the structure of renewable energy produced, a difference can be found between the EU member countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the group of countries outside the EU. The fastest renewable energy production growth was achieved in EU member countries of Central and Eastern Europe. In the case of the mentioned countries, the production of solar, wind, and bioenergy was developed. In other countries, hydropower production was set and treated as a traditional energy source. Generally, in countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the development of energy based on renewable energy sources was not dependent on the pace of economic development of the country. Decision-makers in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe should develop the production of renewable energy from sources that are the easiest and cheapest to use. This is the only way to increase the production of renewable energy in developing countries.