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Renewable Energy Share in European Industry: Analysis and Extrapolation of Trends in EU Countries

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  • Bożena Gajdzik

    (Department of Industrial Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Rafał Nagaj

    (Institute of Economics and Finance, University of Szczecin, 71-101 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Radosław Wolniak

    (Faculty of Organization and Management, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Dominik Bałaga

    (KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, Pszczynska 37, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Brigita Žuromskaitė

    (Faculty of Public Governance and Business, Mykolas Romeris University, LT-08303 Vilnius, Lithuania)

  • Wiesław Wes Grebski

    (Penn State Hazleton, Pennsylvania State University, 76 University Drive, Hazleton, PA 18202, USA)

Abstract

The strategic objective of world climate policy is the decarbonization of industries, aiming to achieve “net-zero” emissions by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement. This transition entails increasing the utilization of renewable energy sources (RES) in industrial energy consumption, thereby transforming economies from reliance on fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. However, this shift poses a significant challenge for many EU countries, with varying degrees of success in adaptation. This paper investigates the process of decarbonizing industries by analyzing trends in the adoption of RES in EU countries and evaluating their progress toward climate targets. Utilizing time series analysis of production, total energy usage, and the proportion of renewables in industrial energy consumption, the study compares two groups of countries: longstanding EU members and newer additions. The aim is to forecast the trajectory of RES integration in industry and assess the feasibility of meeting the targets outlined in the European Green Deal. The findings reveal a considerable gap between the set targets and projected outcomes, with only a few countries expected to meet the EU’s 2030 goals. This is highlighted by disparities in RES shares across member states, ranging from 0.0% to 53.8% in 2022. Despite notable increases in the absolute use of renewable energy, particularly in central and eastern European nations, substantial challenges persist in aligning industrial sectors with EU decarbonization objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Bożena Gajdzik & Rafał Nagaj & Radosław Wolniak & Dominik Bałaga & Brigita Žuromskaitė & Wiesław Wes Grebski, 2024. "Renewable Energy Share in European Industry: Analysis and Extrapolation of Trends in EU Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-38, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:11:p:2476-:d:1399314
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Łukasz Kuźmiński & Joanna Dynowska & Rafał Nagaj & Sergiy Kozmenko & Tomasz Norek & Marcin Rabe & Andrzej Gawlik & Katarzyna Widera, 2025. "Determinants of Ecological Decisions of Users of Single-Family Houses in Poland in the Field of Energy Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-24, May.
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    5. Christian Berger & Michael Soder, 2025. "Wann, wenn nicht jetzt?," Working Paper Reihe der AK Wien - Materialien zu Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft 267, Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte für Wien, Abteilung Wirtschaftswissenschaft und Statistik.
    6. Joanna Florek & Ryszard Staniszewski & Dorota Czerwińska-Kayzer & Dariusz Kayzer, 2024. "Functioning of the Energy Sector Under Crisis Conditions—A Polish Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-23, December.
    7. Aleksandra Kuzior & Yevhen Kovalenko & Inna Tiutiunyk & Larysa Hrytsenko, 2025. "Assessment of the Energy Security of EU Countries in Light of the Expansion of Renewable Energy Sources," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-24, April.

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