Biological Resources for Renewable Energies in the European Union: A Hierarchical Approach

Emilia Mary Bălan, Cristina Georgiana Zeldea (), Laura Mariana Cismaș (), Marioara Iordan, Cristian Mihai Cismaș and Melinda Petronela Costin
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Emilia Mary Bălan: Institute for Advanced Environmental Research, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
Cristina Georgiana Zeldea: Institute for Economic Forecasting, Romanian Academy, 050711 Bucharest, Romania
Laura Mariana Cismaș: Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
Marioara Iordan: Institute for Economic Forecasting, Romanian Academy, 050711 Bucharest, Romania
Cristian Mihai Cismaș: Doctoral School of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
Melinda Petronela Costin: Doctoral School of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-25

Abstract: The bioeconomy is an essential framework for sustainable economic growth in the European Union (EU), leveraging biomass transformation into bioenergy, biofuels, and other high-value products. This study examines the socio-economic impact of bio-based electricity and liquid biofuels in EU from 2008 to 2021, focusing on employment, turnover, and value added at factor cost. Cluster analysis shows that EU countries are divided into four groups based on socio-economic outcomes in the bioenergy sector, highlighting significant differences between Western and Eastern Europe. Notably, countries like Germany, France, and Italy lead in bioenergy development, supported by robust policy frameworks, while several Central and Eastern Europe Countries (CEECs), face challenges in advancing bioeconomy sectors. The analysis also puts forward a socio-economic indicator of bioeconomy (SEIB), which highlights national differences and potential growth paths for the bio-based energy sector. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to address regional inequalities and promote sustainable bioeconomic practices across the EU. The study underscores the need for consistent data collection to support future bioeconomy research and policy formulation.

Keywords: biomass; bioeconomy; bio-based electricity; liquid biofuels; European Union countries; hierarchical cluster analysis; socio-economic indicators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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