Abstract:

The study provides a comprehensive overview of the current structure and utilization of energy production of six Central European countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania) focusing on the dependence on energy imports. The purpose of the article was to analyse the gross inland energy consumption of these six countries and to examine the relationship between renewable energy and non-renewable energy sources. A comparative time series analysis method using data from 2010 to 2016 was utilized.  In addition, partial correlation analysis under control variables to determine whether the relationship calculated in the correlation matrix exists or not was applied. Results indicated that in the European Union, the renewables have mainly replaced nuclear energy. A combination of renewables and natural gas replaced the coal in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria. Findings were inconclusive to prove this in Hungary and Romania. The energy production structure of the six Central European countries varies due to the differences in natural endowments. However, the results showed that the renewables mainly replaced coal.

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