Sustainable energy development in the major power-generating countries of the European Union: The Pinch Analysis

Abstract In the European Union, the 2020 Climate & Energy Package and 2030 Climate & Energy Framework envisaged gains in energy efficiency and reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions in order to ensure sustainable development of the economy. However, the European Union Member States differ in their energy systems and level of economic development. In this context, the paper seeks to identify the possible outcomes of increase in the production of cleaner energy in the major European Union countries. This provides evidence on the possible energy-mix across different European Union Member States. The study applied the Pinch Analysis in order to identify the energy-mix for electricity generation which corresponds to the goal of the GHG emission reduction of major electricity producers in Europe taking into account the possible promotion of the different types of RES. The countries chosen for the analysis include Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, France and Sweden. The carried out Pinch Analysis revealed the possible pathways for increasing the penetration of specific types of renewables in selected countries which may lead to GHG emission reduction.