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Sustainability assessment of energy sector development in China and European Union

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  • Weihua Su
  • Dongcai Zhang
  • Chonghui Zhang
  • Dalia Streimikiene

Abstract

Energy efficiency, development of renewable energy resources, decarbonization, and energy security are the key energy policy priorities of the European Union and China. Based on data for the period 2005–2016, this study compares the status of energy sector development sustainability among 21 European Union Member States and China by applying the several Multi‐Criteria Decision Making methods. Seven Member States including United Kingdom were excluded from the analysis due to Brexit or entering EU late like Croatia or due to small size as Malta and Cyprus and so forth. The results of Multi‐Criteria Decision analysis indicated that Romania, Czech Republic, and Latvia performed the best during this period in terms of approaching toward sustainable energy development targets. These countries have implemented effective policies and measures to increase energy efficiency and use of renewables leading to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increase in security of energy supply during the investigated period. New Member States have better assessment of effectiveness of energy policies pursuing 20–20–20 targets than old Member States. China lag behind European Union countries in terms of sustainability of energy sector however, during investigated period the country has achieved very good progress and can learn a lot from European experience as suggested by policy implications developed in this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Weihua Su & Dongcai Zhang & Chonghui Zhang & Dalia Streimikiene, 2020. "Sustainability assessment of energy sector development in China and European Union," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(5), pages 1063-1076, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:28:y:2020:i:5:p:1063-1076
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2056
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