Clustering environmental performances, energy efficiency and clean energy patterns: a comparative static approach across EU Countries

In the context of convergence of objectives among the single Member States within the European Union, environmental policy has always been considered one pivotal and necessary step towards a cohesive EU. Employing clustering techniques, this work identifies affinities in environmental performances (e.g., CO2 emissions), energy efficiency, and clean energy patterns for European countries. K-medoids clustering will be used for a cross-section of the total carbon dioxide emission in three reference years (2008, 2013, 2018). Data to feed the algorithm have been selected considering the well-established IPAT relationship as an analytical framework. After preliminary analysis, results highlighted the presence of persistent groups of countries over time with marked characteristics in terms of environmental performances, energy efficiency, and clean energy patterns. Considering the limitations of data employed and the potentialities of the methodological approach, this work could shed light on a new perspective of analysis in light of the harmonization path the EU has been undertaking since its foundation. These findings could better address policymakers in terms of convergence of environmental policy implementing new measures to promote low-carbon consumption and production patterns with a specific focus on energy efficiency (e.g., heating and cooling) and sustainable sources (e.g., nuclear power).