ENERGY EFFICIENCY AS A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY TRANSITION GOALS

Abstract

The article examines energy efficiency as a fundamental instrument for supporting the energy transition under conditions of profound transformation of modern energy systems and evolving energy governance models. The study systematizes and critically reviews the approaches proposed by leading international organizations to the interpretation of the concept of “energy efficiency,” which makes it possible to identify substantial differences in definitions, priorities, depending on policy objectives and regulatory contexts. Based on the synthesized results, an integrated author’s definition of energy efficiency is developed. This definition reflects the complex, measurable, and interdisciplinary nature of energy efficiency as a category that simultaneously incorporates energy management practices, optimization of energy use, reduction of losses, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation within energy systems. Energy efficiency is interpreted not only as a technical parameter but also as a strategic mechanism for achieving long-term structural changes in the energy sector. To identify the dynamics and structural transformation of scientific research activity in the field of energy efficiency, a bibliometric analysis of scholarly publications indexed in the Scopus database was conducted. The use of specialized analytical software VOSviewer enabled the identification of dominant thematic clusters, the mapping of key research directions, and the examination of international scientific collaboration networks related to energy efficiency and energy transition issues. The results of the bibliometric analysis reveal current trends in the development of scientific research, highlighting the growing integration of energy efficiency studies with topics related to the reduction of energy intensity, decarbonization pathways, digitalization of energy systems, and the achievement of sustainable development goals within the energy sector. The findings confirm the role of energy efficiency as a cross-cutting and system-forming element of the energy transition that contributes to economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and technological modernization.