Comprehensive energy studies covering multiple energy sources and systems, including energy policy, economics, security, sustainability, and the integration of diverse energy technologies
4 papersThe EU is pushing hard for a carbon-neutral future with ambitious targets for renewable energy, but some countries are dragging their feet (especially those who love coal!). This difference in pace across member states is a big challenge for the EU's energy transition, and its impact on relationships with other countries (especially big energy suppliers like Russia) needs more thought.
The EU's energy security is relatively stable in terms of fuel mix diversity but is significantly impacted by import dependence, particularly on Russia. While renewable energy share has increased, this progress is uneven across member states, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions to improve energy security and achieve decarbonization goals.
Following the Russia-Ukraine war, Swiss voters demonstrated strong support for clean energy policies, including phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating renewable energy development. Support for natural gas power plants remained mixed, while policies related to fossil fuel heating bans, combustion engine car sales bans, and financial regulations to discourage fossil fuel investments saw increased support, particularly among left-leaning voters.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has refocused European energy policy on geopolitical security, accelerating the transition to clean energy sources like renewables, hydrogen, and possibly nuclear. However, this shift has created complications for fossil fuel phase-out, triggered negative knock-on effects for sustainable transitions in the Global South, and raised significant energy equity concerns within and beyond Europe.