Decarbonizing European Industries: Clean Transformation and the Role of Renewable Energy

This engaging book examines the European Union’s transition to renewable energy, covering its historical development along with the implications for climate policy, industry and society. The authors outline the ways in which the EU plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with a specific focus on the European Green Deal and the Renewable Energy Directive. Bożena Gajdzik, Radosław Wolniak and Rafał Nagaj explore various climate policies, renewable energy technologies and decarbonization pathways, highlighting their associated economic and social benefits. They also address key clean energy barriers including insufficient public support, the risk of green inflation, technological delays and administrative challenges such as protracted regulatory approvals and permitting processes. Through data-driven analysis and scenario modeling, they demonstrate the cost-competitiveness of renewable energy. This book highlights how Europe’s shift to clean energy is both essential and achievable, positioning the EU as a front-running organization in sustainable industrial development and environmental governance worldwide. Decarbonizing European Industries is a necessary read for scholars and students of environmental science, energy policy and sustainability studies. Its insights on industrial change, decarbonization pathways and EU legislation will also appeal to economists, policy analysts, decision-makers and government officials.