{"title":"Clean, Diversified, and Affordable Energy for the European Union in the Context of the REPowerEU Plan","authors":"Vasile Dinu","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/654","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/654","url":null,"abstract":"Since the establishment of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the geopolitical context has changed considerably. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had a drastic impact on the society and economy of the European Union. Additionally, amid a global economic outlook of economic stagnation and rising inflation, geopolitical challenges are unprecedented. One of the solutions proposed from the first days of the armed conflict in Ukraine was to reduce the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels imported from Russia. The European Commission and the Member States of the European Economic Community have as their point of reference the ‘Fit for 55’ solution package of the European Green Deal, as well as increasing the use of renewables and further improving energy efficiency. On 18 May 2022, the Commission published that REPowerEU Plan the sets out joint European action in this area, complementing the measures taken regarding the security of supply and energy storage. The measures included in the REPowerEU plan enable energy savings by diversifying energy supply and accelerating the development of renewable energy that would replace fossil fuels in homes, industry, and electricity generation. In this way, the phasing out of fossil fuel imports from Russia will be accelerated. This will also reduce electricity prices and fossil fuel imports over time.","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45779960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anca Gabriela Ilie, M. Zlatea, C. Negreanu, D. Dumitriu, Alma Pentescu
{"title":"Reliance on Russian Federation Energy Imports and Renewable Energy in the European Union","authors":"Anca Gabriela Ilie, M. Zlatea, C. Negreanu, D. Dumitriu, Alma Pentescu","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/780","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/780","url":null,"abstract":"The paper investigates the importance of renewable energy in the energy mix of EU-27 countries, as well as their dependence on imports of gas, oil and petroleum products from the Russian Federation, considering the long-term energy security of the EU-27","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41538730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Toader, C. Rujescu, A. Feher, C. Sălășan, L. Cuc, K. Bodnár
{"title":"Generation Differences in the Behaviour of Household Consumers in Romania Related to Voluntary Measures to Reduce Electric Energy Consumption","authors":"C. Toader, C. Rujescu, A. Feher, C. Sălășan, L. Cuc, K. Bodnár","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/710","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/710","url":null,"abstract":"The Ukraine crisis, the sharp increase in the price of electricity and the excessive dependence of the European Union countries on fossil fuels from Russia have led to a series of actions in the direction of energy saving, clean energy production and diversification of energy sources. The REPoweEU plan, through related financial and legal measures, aims to build a new infrastructure and a new energy system at the EU level. The reduction of energy consumption represents an important orientation of this plan, and in this context, the present study investigates, based on a questionnaire, the behaviour of consumers (households) in Romania towards voluntary measures to reduce electricity energy consumption and identify the behavioural differences between four generations: Baby Boomers, X, Y, and Z. The analysis of the results was performed using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests, using the SAS Studio software application. The results highlight some differences in the behaviour of generations and the patterns regarding the approach to behavioural integration for responsible energy consumption. The work is useful because it outlines the attitude and behaviour of Romanian consumers toward the national and European objectives of reducing energy consumption, energy waste, and increasing the share of alternative energy sources.","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41842521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Dincă, Simona Moagăr-Poladian, Tănase Stamule, P. Nistoreanu
{"title":"The REPowerEU Plan and the Transition to Green Energy in Romania","authors":"V. Dincă, Simona Moagăr-Poladian, Tănase Stamule, P. Nistoreanu","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/676","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/676","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42276011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding the Human Dimensions of the Intention to Use Renewable Energy in Hungary Applying an Extended Model of Theory of Planned Behaviour","authors":"S. Nagy, L. Molnár, Noémi Hajdú","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/830","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/830","url":null,"abstract":"The past year has brought drastic changes to the European energy market. With recent dramatic increases in energy prices, it is of the utmost importance that residential users significantly increase their use of renewable energy. The aim of our study is to understand the complex psychological background of the intention to use renewable energy by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). We extended the original TPB to include environmental concerns. To collect data, an online survey was conducted in Hungary in November 2022. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse data from 400 residential users. The resulting model suggests that subjective norms have the greatest direct influence on intention to use renewable energy; however, attitudes formed by environmental concerns are also important influencing factors. Therefore, campaigns to promote the use of renewable energy should focus on the social acceptance of this behaviour and educate target groups about the connection between the energy problem and the challenges of climate change.","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46615584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Doctor Honoris Causa Laureates of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies","authors":"N. Istudor, Dumitru Miron","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/933","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/933","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47672220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Onete, S. Budz, Ioana Bucur-Teodorescu, S. Chița, Ş. Sava, C. Bucur
{"title":"The Relationship between Renewable Energy and Blockchain as a Sustainable Technology Tool","authors":"C. Onete, S. Budz, Ioana Bucur-Teodorescu, S. Chița, Ş. Sava, C. Bucur","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/919","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/919","url":null,"abstract":"The European Union is accelerating its transition to energy independence by 2030 in response to new geopolitical realities. This study aims to demonstrate the advantages of blockchain technology for the energy sector and how renewable sources themselves may lower costs and generate significant amounts of electricity. These networks encourage the use of renewable energy sources in place of conventional ones and enable sustainable consumption reduction at the same time. The paper demonstrates how blockchain may connect to renewable energy sources, most often solar and wind, to grow this industry in a sustainable way. New technologies like blockchain have sparked the emergence of contemporary forms of trade and consumption. The collaborative and circular economies represent a nexus of economic, technological, and socio-cultural phenomena brought about by technological advancements and economic disruption. Blockchain technology offers a wide range of non-financial applications","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43094157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Requirements for Establishing Energy Hubs: Practical Perspective","authors":"M. Hammad, S. Elgazzar, B. Jereb, M. Sternad","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/798","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/798","url":null,"abstract":"The global economy has barely begun to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, only to be thrown into a new crisis because of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The war exacerbated the energy problem by causing a shortage of energy supplies for the EU and other countries, affecting quality of life. As a result, establishing energy hubs for collecting, processing, storing, and transiting energy resources between producing and consuming countries has become imperative to manage energy supplies efficiently. However, previous studies have not yet addressed the requirements for setting up energy hubs from a practical point of view. Therefore, this paper investigates the requirements for the establishment of energy hubs, particularly for oil and gas, from a practical perspective. The researchers conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with different energy stakeholders. Using the SWOT analysis matrix tool, the findings assessed the current state of the global oil and gas market, and the main practical requirements for the establishment of energy hubs were identified, along with the elements for implementation. Furthermore, the article highlighted the most pressing practical issues confronting the establishment of energy centres. Finally, the paper laid out a comprehensive practical framework based on the industry practitioners’ views to help establish energy hubs. The framework provides a possible guide for countries to establish energy hubs based on the main requirements outlined in this study. It can also improve the diversity, flexibility, and security of energy supply, especially for countries that rely on sole suppliers, such as the EU.","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43192875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana-Maria Nica, A. Raceanu, M. Tănase, Țigu Gabriela
{"title":"Managerial Challenges Related to the Efficient Use of Energy Resources in the Hotel Industry","authors":"Ana-Maria Nica, A. Raceanu, M. Tănase, Țigu Gabriela","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/691","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/691","url":null,"abstract":"Management commitment and perception of the need to adapt and adjust hotel operations in the face of the energy crisis on the path of reducing energy consumption under the REPowerEU plan have been little addressed in the literature, although it is a very topical issue. This research fills this gap with a qualitative study aimed at analysing the way hotel managers in Bucharest perceive the energy crisis. The research questions were related to how the energy crisis affects their operational activities and what measures were taken to reduce energy consumption and change business behaviour. The method chosen was the semi-structured interview in order to obtain complex and detailed answers based on direct interactions at the individual level, given the profile of the interviewees (top managers). The thematic analysis method was used to analyse and interpret the responses recorded in the interviews. As important results of the study, it is worth mentioning: the highlighting of the perception of the energy crisis and its impact at the level of the hotel units, but above all, the identification of the measures implemented or sought by the management of the hotel units to reduce energy consumption (such as the monitoring of consumption, integrated systems for managing consumption and maintenance, the involvement of employees","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49521838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Popa, Cioc Marian Mihai, Catalin Stefan, Botez Daniel, M. Pantea
{"title":"Aligning Public Policy with REPowerEU Program Objectives by Adopting EESS Solutions: A Technology Acceptance Model Approach","authors":"I. Popa, Cioc Marian Mihai, Catalin Stefan, Botez Daniel, M. Pantea","doi":"10.24818/ea/2023/64/660","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24818/ea/2023/64/660","url":null,"abstract":"The achievement of short-term energy savings through changes in user consumption behaviour is one of the main directions addressed by the REPowerEU program. This paper investigates the perspective of increasing energy efficiency at the level of domestic consumers in Romania by adopting energy efficiency smart solutions (EESS). The research is based on the extended technology adoption model and analyses the behaviour of Romanian consumers regarding the intention to use EESS solutions, in relation to three main influencing factors (awareness, environmental protection considerations","PeriodicalId":46837,"journal":{"name":"Amfiteatru Economic","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45769749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}