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Finding Sustainable Countries in Renewable Energy Sector: A Case Study for an EU Energy System

Author

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  • Shoeib Faraji Abdolmaleki

    (TECH-NASE Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Danial Esfandiary Abdolmaleki

    (TECH-NASE Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Pastora M. Bello Bugallo

    (TECH-NASE Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

Abstract

This study aims to identify sustainable countries within the European Union in terms of renewable energy. The objective is to support renewable alternatives and enhance sustainability in the renewable sector among the top economic countries. The study reviews key drivers of sustainable development, establishes criteria for each dimension, and selects up-to-date indicators. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and expert judgments are employed to rank the countries, ensuring unbiased results, and reducing uncertainty. The findings indicate that Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy exhibit their positions from the most advanced to the lower sustainable countries, respectively. Energy and environmental indicators play a primary role as the most influential drivers. Economic factors contribute as tertiary drivers, while social and institutional indicators have a relatively minor influence. Notably, Sweden, Belgium, and Ireland, despite being among the last three in terms of economic ranking, emerge as the most sustainable countries in renewable energy, surpassing stronger economies such as France, Germany, and Spain. On the other hand, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy, as middle economy countries, rank lower in terms of sustainability. These results provide insights for harnessing renewable energy in high-growth economies and offer valuable policy advice for implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Shoeib Faraji Abdolmaleki & Danial Esfandiary Abdolmaleki & Pastora M. Bello Bugallo, 2023. "Finding Sustainable Countries in Renewable Energy Sector: A Case Study for an EU Energy System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10084-:d:1179295
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