The impact of energy related to issues, such as energy poverty, energy transition, and energy security has been heavily debated. The concept of energy poverty is considered, in general terms, as being unable to have access to regular and sufficient energy due to high cost or a lack of proper infrastructure. The definition provided by the International Energy Agency states that energy security is having uninterrupted access to energy sources at affordable prices. The concept of energy transition means a transition to clean energy. However, there are concerns that some policies that push toward environmentally sustainable energy can decrease economic development and increase poverty.
Energy plays a pivotal role in fostering the sustainable development of nations, encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in global energy consumption. Effective energy management is crucial for ensuring future economic prosperity and environmental security. To achieve efficient allocation of available resources, it becomes imperative to focus on energy demand management. In recent years, numerous innovative techniques have emerged to accurately forecast future energy requirements [53]. These research efforts aim to review various energy demand forecasting models, providing insights into their effectiveness and applicability.
Energy is a fundamental requirement for human existence, and the availability of a secure and accessible energy supply is essential for the sustainability of modern societies. However, the continued reliance on fossil fuels is expected to face several challenges. These challenges include the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, concerns related to global warming and other environmental issues, geopolitical tensions and conflicts, and more recently, persistent and significant increases in fuel prices [55].
Presently, energy poverty arises when a significant portion of consumers' income is devoted to paying energy bills or when they are forced to limit their household's energy usage to an extent that negatively affects their health and overall well-being. Therefore, decision-makers must prioritize affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, building upon reliability, resilience, and efficiency.
Additionally, some studies advocate for a broader approach to energy security, encompassing five interconnected aspects: availability, affordability, technological advancement, sustainability, and regulation [11]. Simultaneously, global discussions and discourse have prominently featured environmental concerns related to climate change and global warming, given their significant impact and far-reaching consequences [48].
Access to electricity and a reliable energy supply are crucial for local economic development and poverty alleviation. To address these challenges effectively, appropriate policies and mechanisms must be implemented at both national and regional levels. It is essential to create an enabling environment that promotes renewable energies and energy efficiency, as this not only preserves the environment and mitigates climate change effects but also reduces energy poverty and enhances living standards for the population [70]. Therefore, making this a primary objective of the government is imperative.
The shift towards sustainable energy has become a focal point in the realms of politics and science. A pertinent study utilizes a socio-technical and multi-level theory on transitions to glean valuable insights from a long-term analysis of the Dutch electricity system [73]. By investigating technological advancements, regulatory changes, and the social networks that either support or resist renewable energy options, the article adopts a comprehensive approach. It delves into both emerging renewable energy technologies and the underlying structural trends within the established electricity regime. The analysis reveals that an energy transition has been in progress since the 1960s and 1970s, primarily propelled by liberalization and European integration. While environmental concerns have become an integral part of this ongoing transition, they do not serve as its primary driving force. Numerous obstacles hinder the achievement of a sustainability transition; however, there are also opportunities to seize.
The energy transition must prioritize not only the adoption of renewable energy sources but also ensuring affordable energy prices for the population. Despite the varying levels of economic development among EU countries, energy poverty affects a certain segment of the population, persisting throughout the year, even in both summer and winter months. Energy poverty not only poses economic and social challenges but also leads to health issues [84-86]. Difficulties in accessing energy for certain groups have raised multidisciplinary concerns about applying principles of justice to different facets of energy, including policy, production and systems, consumption, activism, security, and climate change.
Energy security involves the assessment of two crucial elements: (1) the assurance of a secure energy supply and production, and (2) the identification of emerging insecurities concerning aspects such as availability and pricing. The main goal of energy security is to safeguard and maintain a stable energy supply and domestic production capabilities [76,77].
Access to energy has become a global priority, with increasing concerns about reducing energy poverty. To address this, the European Union has introduced a key instrument called the just transition, aiming to strike a balance between environmental protection through renewable energy use and mitigating the socioeconomic impact of this transition. The just transition mechanism allocates funding to areas with high CO2 emissions or regions reliant on fossil fuel-based industries, thereby creating new employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Improving energy efficiency in homes could be a viable solution to combat energy poverty and enhance energy access. As a result, the goal of improved access to clean energy, provided consistently and at reasonable prices, can be achieved.
This comprehensive analysis reveals the key interests and concerns associated with the interplay of energy poverty, energy transition, and energy security issues. It identifies valuable contributions from representative authors over time and profiles potential future developments in these areas. Energy efficiency emerges as a potential solution to address energy poverty, enhance energy security, and facilitate the energy transition.
Indeed, unconsumed energy itself can serve as a valuable energy source. Therefore, investing in energy efficiency infrastructure is crucial for both the energy transition and the development of a low-carbon economy. Moreover, such investments promote the principles of a circular economy. For instance, constructing new buildings or improving the energy performance of existing ones leads to a reevaluation of construction and demolition practices, enabling the utilization of waste generated from these processes for energy production.
In the twenty-first century, energy is intricately linked to a convergence of crucial challenges and opportunities, prompting a growing focus on improving model-based analysis of energy systems. These challenges encompass ensuring the security, affordability, and resilience of energy supply, while also addressing a range of environmental issues, from local air and water pollution to the overarching threat of climate change and global sustainability [57]. However, amidst these challenges, there are opportunities to capitalize on, such as introducing innovative technologies to the market, promoting the growth of competitive industries, and providing abundant sustainable energy production to regions experiencing rapid economic development.
This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/en16145484