Abstract
Electricity generation in different countries is based on a variety of fuel mixes compromising solid fossil fuels, oil, natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy sources. While in the past, national energy agendas have directed the optimal utilisation of domestic resources as a means to achieve supply security, today's environmental debates are influencing the electricity fuel mix in new directions. In this paper we examine the electricity sectors of Germany, Greece, Poland and the UK in an attempt to identify the policy and technology choices implemented in each country. The country selection is deliberately made to facilitate an extended overview of national agendas, varying domestic energy resources and industrialisation levels but still within the common EU framework. The focus is placed on policies related to two objectives, climate change mitigation and improving electricity supply security. The theoretical framework developed provides the possibility to assess the electricity sector independence at a national level using a multi-parametric analysis of the fuel mix data. Through a comparative assessment of the knowledge gained in different countries the authors provide insights and suggestions that allow for an improved understanding of the trade-offs and synergies that various policy options may introduce.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2703-2709 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2009 |
Keywords
- Climate change
- Energy security
- Germany
- Greece
- Poland
- United Kingdom
- Electric generators
- Electricity
- Energy policy
- Fossil fuels
- Gas industry
- Renewable energy sources