Energy Indicators in the Context of Globalization

Globalization leads to new challenges. There is a trend of growth of the population. At the same time, production processes are subject to changes. If the new technologies are based on environmental protection, then we can also be considered that the greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced. As energy requirements are rising, it is important to efficient use of natural resources. This, especially, as energy sources differ from one country to another. In this context, dependence on energy imports becomes important. From this point of view, for the countries of the European Union, the article analyzes the evolution of energy efficiency. In recent years, it trying to replace fossil fuels with renewable fuels. Analyzing the share of energy from renewable sources in total electricity allows us to observe the degree of decarbonisation of the European Union economy. The use of energy from renewable sources allows the development of green technologies and contributes to the protection of the environment. Producing of the energy in a region and transporting it to another region creates bridges and contributes to globalization. Thus, in the process of globalization, the role of energy is increasingly important. The article presents a European analysis of gross and net electricity production.


Introduction
One of the current challenges is to use as high share of clean and sustainable energy [1]. However, fossil fuels are used in a high percentage [2]. It is estimated that, in 2060, the share of renewable energy will be around 75% of total world electricity production [3]. Bear in mind that often the functioning of the electricity production from renewable sources is influenced by weather conditions [4].
Even if we are talking about renewable energy from traditional biomass and hydropower resources or if we are talking about modern renewable energy based on geothermal, wind and solar energy, energy services lead to more flexible production and autonomy of consumption. In addition, the benefits for both individuals and their communities are related to job security and income [5].
In the last decade of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century, although fossil fuel prices were lower than those for renewable energy, energy consumption based on renewable energy increased [6]. Thus, energy services have made it possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as well as to customize energy technologies. In many countries, revenue increases have been observed based on the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy. At the same time, this was accompanied by a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions [5].
The implementation of new energy models leads to the emergence of regional electricity markets. One such example is the Iberian Electricity Market (Mibel). Through a common electricity market, both consumers in Spain and Portugal have access to electricity under equivalent conditions [7]. Another example can be given by generating electricity in the Drina Basin. In this case, cross-border collaboration on hydro-electric power has increased, interconnections between countries have increased and energy efficiency measures have been implemented [8].
World population growth, industrialization and economic growth, lead to structural and lifestyle changes in the urban and rural populations [9]. Thus, in addition to increasing energy consumption, consumer areas also change [10].

Methods
Through this article, an analysis was made of the comparative situation of gross and net electricity production for the year 2008, respectively for the year 2017, in the member countries of the European Union. It also presents the structure of the share of energy resources in the gross electricity production corresponding to 2017. The energy efficiency indicator is analyzed by monitoring the progress in 2017 compared to 2008 for primary energy consumption, respectively for final energy consumption. In the second part, the evolution of the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption for renewable energy sources in transport, electricity, heating and cooling is presented.

Results and Discussion
The Europe 2020 Strategy has set energy efficiency targets [11]. Thus, by 2020, the EU wants to reduce energy consumption by about 20%. The demand for energy is quite high [12]. Thus, decreasing consumption as well as renewable sources can form the basis of the energy transition [13]. Regarding energy use, energy transitions will have an impact both on the local environment and on the economy [14] as well as on human development [15].
From the comparative situation presented in Table 1, it is noted that in 2017 gross electricity production was raised in: Germany (596.  Depending on the type of fuel used, the gross electricity production structure for the European Union in 2017 is shown in Figure 1  Economic development involves increasing consumption, including the consumption of resources needed to produce electricity. This has led to the depletion of fossil fuel resources. So, they raise the requirements for clean energies that use renewable sources. Geothermal energy is an example of a renewable source used more and more often lately. Their advantage is given by their continued availability. Thus, carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced [16,17]. Countries where geothermal energy is most used are: Italy  Combating the effects of global warming can also be achieved by using renewable energies. Such a renewable technology is biogas. It can be used both for the production of electricity and for the removal of carbon dioxide [19]. Technology improvement allowed global renewable energy costs to be lower than for fossil fuels [20]. Energy efficiency measures have led to a reduction in the pressure on primary energy supplies. Also, the production of hydropower plants could be improved by better cooperation in the operation of hydropower plants [8]. Thus, for the energy efficiency indicator, the monitoring of the progress achieved in 2017 compared to 2008 for primary energy consumption and final energy consumption respectively is shown in the table below, in million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe).

Conclusion
Solutions for managing and storing energy produced by solar photovoltaic panels can reduce dependence on a particular network. The analysis shows a downward trend in gross and net electricity production. It has also been found that the most used resources are: combustible fuels, nuclear fuels and other fuels n.e.c., wind and hydro. At the same time, the evolution of the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption shows a growth trend due to the attention given to renewable energy sources.
The transition to sustainable energy requires tackling those low-carbon energy sources. Measures against environmental damage are therefore needed. In this way, renewable energies can diminish the negative impact of climate change [21].
Worldwide, the rural-urban distribution of the population shows a higher share of the urban area [22]. Thus, the energy supply of local communities becomes an increasingly important issue. Another important aspect is the degree to which a community has access to energy systems and at what cost. Limited access and high energy costs affect the education and health of members of a community [20].