Download This PaperEnergy Decentralization and Decarbonization: The Case of Romania and Malta
Natural Resources Journal, Vol. 60, Issue 1, pp. 117-166, 2020
Queen Mary School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 320/2019
50 Pages Posted: 29 Sep 2019 Last revised: 7 Apr 2020
Date Written: September 26, 2019
Abstract
This article aims to provide useful insights into Romania’s and Malta’s electricity sector, and critically assess the extent to which their current state is conducive to European Union (EU) ‘smart grid’ objectives of energy decentralization and decarbonization. The article concludes that Malta has embraced reforms aimed at diversifying the energy sector, including the deployment of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, smart meters and smart grids, all of which are aimed at tackling climate change challenges. Romania, on the one hand, enjoys relative energy independence and security vis-à-vis its EU peers, but also other neighbouring countries, while, on the other, it remains one of the most energy-intensive and polluting EU Member States. At the same time, Romania’s performance in relation to increasing the share of renewable energy sources in energy consumption and electricity production places it among the leaders at the regional and EU levels, particularly in terms of wind-generated power.
Keywords: energy decentralization and decarbonization, electricity sector, smart grids, smart meters
JEL Classification: K33, Q4, Q5, Q2
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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