The level of renewable energy used in EU member states - A multidimensional comparative analysis

Abstract

This paper assesses EU countries in terms of their level of renewable energy use. The ranking of 27 EU countries in terms of the complex phenomenon under study was constructed on the basis of 7 variables. The research period was 2011 and 2020. The research method was one of multidimensional comparative analysis methods, i.e. Hellwig’s pattern development model. The research results confirm that there wasa positive change in the use of renewable energy in all EU countries in 2020 compared to 2011, with Sweden, Austria, Finland, and Denmark taking the lead. However, most EU countries (16 in 2011 and 17 in 2020) have a medium-low level of use of “green energy”. A low level was identified in Cyprus and Malta in 2011 and Poland in 2020.