Assessment of Energy Efficiency in the European Union Countries in 2013 and 2020

Abstract

In the face of the current energy crisis and the need to implement the objectives of climate and energy policy, it seems necessary to examine energy efficiency. Accordingly, this article aims to assess the energy efficiency of European Union (EU) countries. The assessment is performed using data envelopment analysis (DEA), a non-parametric method of measurement of relative efficiency. Ireland recorded the highest energy efficiency both in 2013 and 2020. The average efficiency of all countries assessed was lower in 2020 than in 2013. The number of fully efficient countries had decreased in 2020 compared to 2013. The differentiation of countries in terms of energy efficiency had increased in 2020. The research made it possible to express the efficiencies of countries using a single indicator applied to establish countries’ rankings. The lowest-ranked states are encouraged to improve their technologies for transforming inputs into outputs following the technologies of the benchmark countries. Moreover, a new approach to defining and measuring energy efficiency is proposed. We define energy efficiency as the ratio of services, goods and/or energy obtained to the energy input. In analysing energy efficiency, we emphasise dynamic perspectives rather than static ones.