Work

The future of energy in the European Union: balancing renewable growth with globalization and digitalization

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In a policy context established by the European Union’s 2050 net-zero aim, we explore the relevance of low-carbon and alternative renewable energy sources to carbon dioxide emissions in EU-27 countries. Renewable energy, particularly hydro and wind, reduces CO2 emissions, making it the best source for decarbonization. Globalization and Internet use, by contrast, raise emissions, posing a significant challenge for the EU-27. The transformation of the EU-27 countries’ energy mix is a complex endeavour due to the diversity of their energy systems and economic development levels, but we see three fundamental directions for this happening: continuing the progress towards a low-carbon society while also considering climate risk analysis; accelerating the energy transition by taking collective and bold action to meet the established goals; and implementing effective energy policies in the deployment of renewable energy.

Source: Journal of Applied Economics

DOI: 10.1080/15140326.2025.2548821

Authors: Alexandra Horobet, Cristiana Doina Tudor, Lucian Belascu, Mihaela Herciu, Claudia Ogrean

Institutions: Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,533