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Energy Transitions in Western European Countries: Regulation Comparative Analysis

Author

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  • Federica Cucchiella

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Via G. Gronchi n. 18, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Alessia Condemi

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Via G. Gronchi n. 18, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Marianna Rotilio

    (Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of L’Aquila, Via G. Gronchi n. 18, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Valeria Annibaldi

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Via G. Gronchi n. 18, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

Abstract

Shifting from fossil to renewable energy sources is a major global challenge, and in this context, the European Union has promoted sustainable and environmentally friendly growth as early as the Maastricht Treaty of 1992. To date, European institutions have promulgated a series of environmental regulations and directives aimed at promoting and imposing adoption by member states of internal regulations. This paper is focused on Western Europe, and it explores, for each state under analysis, energy policies adopted, the results achieved and recommendations for the future growth of renewable energy. The results show that in countries where energy policy is not fragmented, the yield in renewable energies has been higher, and also in the states where more and various forms of subsidies are foreseen, growth seems to be greater. Finally, the paper provides useful recommendations and future policy implications for states that have not met the 2020 targets.

Suggested Citation

  • Federica Cucchiella & Alessia Condemi & Marianna Rotilio & Valeria Annibaldi, 2021. "Energy Transitions in Western European Countries: Regulation Comparative Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-23, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:13:p:3940-:d:586556
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    2. Katarzyna Chudy-Laskowska & Tomasz Pisula, 2022. "An Analysis of the Use of Energy from Conventional Fossil Fuels and Green Renewable Energy in the Context of the European Union’s Planned Energy Transformation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Agnieszka Dembicka-Niemiec & Edyta Szafranek-Stefaniuk & Antonina Kalinichenko, 2023. "Structural and Investment Funds of the European Union as an Instrument for Creating a Low-Carbon Economy by Selected Companies of the Energy Sector in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-21, February.
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