Evaluating global energy security performances using an integrated PCA/DEA-AR technique

Abstract

This study sought to comprehensively and systematically assess the overall performances of 125 countries for 21 consecutive years (1997–2017) by highlighting their spatial disparities, as well as changes and trends in their energy security performance (ESPs). In addition, a new evaluation technique based on the integrated application of principal component analysis (PCA) and data envelopment analysis – assurance region (DEA-AR) for determining the ESPs of each country was proposed. In addition to the ESP results and rankings for 125 countries, a cluster analysis was also conducted based on the ESP trend results, with the main objective of identifying a benchmark group of countries. In general, European countries were found to be at the top of the global ESP rankings, while African countries were at the bottom. In addition, Switzerland remained at the top of the ESP ranking for 21 years. Australia, the UK, and Ireland, all belonged to both the most progressive group and the group with the highest ESP. In contrast, Nepal, Eritrea, Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, and Haiti regressed the most over the 21-year period, in addition to being among the worst performers in the most recent years of the period.