Using Renewable Resources to Support Environmental Protection

The transition towards renewable energy sources represents a core pillar of the European Union’s strategy for environmental protection and sustainable development, particularly in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The purpose of this study is to analyze the evolution of energy consumption and the increasing role of renewable resources in the European Union, while highlighting their contribution to energy efficiency and environmental protection. The research adopts a comparative quantitative approach based on official EUROSTAT data, covering the period 2014– 2023. The analysis focuses on key indicators, including primary energy consumption, final energy consumption in households per capita, energy productivity, and the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption, disaggregated by sector.

The results indicate a clear downward trend in primary energy consumption at EU level, alongside a decrease in household final energy consumption per capita. At the same time, energy productivity has increased in all Member States, reflecting a more efficient use of energy resources. The share of renewable energy has recorded a consistent upward trend across electricity generation, heating and cooling, and transport, although with significant disparities between Member States. These findings suggest a gradual decoupling of economic activity from energy consumption and a strengthening role of renewables in supporting environmental protection.

The originality of the study lies in its integrated assessment of multiple energy and renewable indicators over a recent and extended time horizon, providing a comprehensive picture of EU-wide progress and structural differences among Member States. The study also acknowledges limitations related to its descriptive nature and reliance on aggregate indicators, highlighting the need for future research to incorporate explanatory and causal models to better capture the drivers of energy transition and its environmental impacts.