Spatial distribution and drivers of renewable energies in European regions

Abstract

The energy transition is a complex process that varies significantly among European regions. This research uses spatial econometric panel models to investigate the evolution of wind and photovoltaic (PV) energy in Europe throughout the 21st century by identifying the main drivers (socioeconomic, institutional, geographic and demographic factors) of renewable energy capacity in European regions. The study reveals high heterogeneity in the development of these renewable energy sources. GDP per capita shows a positive relationship with both technologies, while the opposite is found for population density. While natural resource factors considered here do not seem to considerable impact the location of wind and PV farms, the pattern of territorial technology diffusion through spatial spillovers stand out as a determining factor in the wind and photovoltaic energy place-based evolutionary processes.