The Convergence of Energy Poverty across Countries in the European Union

Magdalena Cyrek (), Piotr Cyrek, Wioletta Bieńkowska-Gołasa and Piotr Gołasa
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Magdalena Cyrek: Institute of Economics and Finance, University of Rzeszow, Cwiklinskiej 2, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Piotr Cyrek: Institute of Economics and Finance, University of Rzeszow, Cwiklinskiej 2, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Wioletta Bieńkowska-Gołasa: Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
Piotr Gołasa: Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: With growing attention being paid to the problems of sustainable development and just transition, energy poverty emerges as a focal issue to be addressed by the Common Policy. However, the dynamics of this phenomenon across the EU still appear to be insufficiently recognised. Therefore, this study deals with the problem of energy poverty convergence and aims to test it for the 27 EU countries over the period 2010–2022. Contrary to limited studies of energy poverty convergence that use a simple indicator, it uses aggregate measures based on consensual consequential indicators of energy poverty to verify the hypothesis of convergence. Absolute and conditional beta convergence are considered. Potential determinants of energy poverty are incorporated into a model of conditional convergence. The analysis confirms the existence of beta convergence of energy poverty in the EU, indicating the progressing socio-economic cohesion of the member states. The results, thus, deliver some arguments supporting an integrative approach to the energy policy of the EU. The research reveals that, among the factors influencing EP dynamics, an important role may be attributed to technological catch-up and income distribution across a society. Sustainable development should thus be supported with energy modernisation efforts of an inclusive character.

Keywords: energy poverty; beta convergence; absolute convergence; conditional convergence; sustainable development; energy policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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