A synthetic measure of energy security taking into account the influence of rare earth metals. The case of Poland

Abstract

The article presents the results of research related to the energy security of the EU-27 countries, exemplified for Poland and EU-27 average. Indicators, which can be found in the literature, typically examine energy security using the 4A concept as a basis for research on energy security. The authors extended the set of factors determining energy security by adding an additional category related to renewable energy sources (RES). In the research presented, the authors analyzed not only the impact of the availability of energy raw materials on the level of energy security, but also impact of critical raw materials, such as rare earth elements. They are necessary to develop RES technology. A taxonomic method was used, which allowed determination of the synthetic energy security measure SEM. The authors wrote the SEM 1.0 program, which determines SEM value. The analysis showed that the level of the indicator, after taking into account the fifth category, decreased for Poland by 9%, and for the EU-27 by 12%. The authors also proposed remedial measures that would make it possible to increase the level of energy security of the member states.