Analysing an Energy Sectoral Specialisation Pattern in Southern European Union Countries

Abstract

Exploring the sectoral energy structure of Southern European Union (EU) countries of the Mediterranean region, the paper investigates the changes that have occurred in the distribution of the major energy end-use sectors in comparison to the EU average. To that end, the indices of sectoral specialisation were calculated, and then the behavioural pattern of energy users was analysed. The results indicate a relatively low sectoral heterogeneity of final energy consumption in the sample of interest, meaning that the structure of energy end-use sectors seems to show a rather comparable development trend and is quit homogeneous compared to the EU average. The degree of economic specialisation has become gradually lower over time. The stability of this trend is confirmed by using regression in Galton’s sense. The marginal values of the sectoral specialisation index suggest that the existing homogeneity in the sectoral structure is mainly related to the level of development, geographical proximity and spill-over effect as well as the size of an economy. Indeed, countries such as Malta and Cyprus were found to have a higher degree of specialisation than Italy or France.