The main features of the formation and clustering of EU energy policies in the renewable energy sector

This article analyzes the key features of the formation and clustering of EU energy policies in the renewable energy sector. Global problems, such as climate change, and local problems in EU countries, associated with their dependence on oil and gas imports, are contributing to the transition of EU countries to renewable energy sources. However, this transition is occurring at varying speeds and degrees of success in different EU countries. This study determines the specifics of the development of EU energy policies in the renewable energy sector. The study gives a detailed explanation for the formation of the energy policies in the EU by examining clusters of member countries. The clustering is determined by the different impacts of climate change and the different models of priority energy consumption by economic sectors (electricity production, transport, and heating/cooling). The study uses the method of average linkage of cluster analysis. The results identify three clusters of countries depending on the amount of renewable energy used in electricity production, transport, and heating/cooling. Conclusions about the distribution of countries into clusters and the transitions of countries between clusters were made. The research showed that clustering EU countries may help to identify key features of their energy policies and the integration of renewable energy sources. The results of the study have practical significance for investment projects in the EU and in assessing the renewable energy sector.