Analysis of Primary Energy Consumption, for the European Union Member States

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyse the primary energy consumption of the EU member states and examine the relationship between renewable energy and non-renewable energy sources. The study is based on the production, import, export and gross energy consumption of the EU countries' primary energy carriers. The quantitative and percentage distribution of these variables was examined for the years 2010 and 2020. The correlation matrix of the countries was prepared on the basis of the data series of gross energy consumption from 2010 to 2020. Correlation values between renewable energy and non- renewable energy were collected from these result matrices. These values tabulated, made it possible to compare the countries in the correlation of renewable and non-renewable gross energy consumption. The results show that the EU countries have realized that in order to protect the climate, their energy strategy needed to be based on renewables. Renewable energies should replace the coal-fired power plants, that are the most responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. There are already significant changes in oil consumption of some EU countries, which is indicated by the spread of electric transport. Gas will remain the dominant fossil energy source in the future, due to the relatively low price and various technological advantages. Opinions on nuclear technology are divided, but the undeniable advantage is that specific greenhouse gas emissions, are extremely low.