THE ROLE OF DIGITALIZATION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY MANAGEMENT AND TRANSITION TO A CARBON-NEUTRAL ECONOMY

The article aims to investigate the impact of digital technologies on increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in modern conditions. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the identification and quantitative analysis of the relationship between the level of digitalization and indicators of energy efficiency and decarbonization. For the first time, the DESI index has been used for a comprehensive assessment of digitalization in the context of energy security and sustainable development, establishing a statistically significant correlation between digital transformations and energy efficiency indicators. Additionally, recommendations have been proposed for adapting the international digitalization experience in the energy sector to Ukraine’s national conditions, which is crucial for transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy. The article employs the following scientific methods: data analysis – to examine trends in digitalization and energy efficiency; cluster analysis – to systematize and classify information sources; correlation-regression analysis – to evaluate the relationship between the DESI (Digital Economy and Society Index) and WETI (World Energy Trilemma Index); synthesis and generalization of international experience – to develop recommendations for adapting leading international digitalization practices in the energy sector to the national conditions of Ukraine. The article analyzes the impact of digital technologies on increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the modern world. For this, the Google Trends tool was used, which made it possible to analyze the popularity of queries related to digitization and digital transformation over the past five years. Based on data from Scopus® and VOSviewer, the study identified five key clusters: decarbonization and digitalization, energy, energy efficiency, energy investment, and sustainable development. Correlation-regression analysis between digitalization and decarbonization was carried out. For this, the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) was chosen, which allows a comprehensive assessment of the digitalization process in different countries through such indicators as the level of Internet connection, digital skills of the population, the integration of digital technologies in business and the development of electronic services. The study results indicate a moderate correlation between the DESI and the World Energy Trilemma Index (WETI), which assesses energy security, equity, and environmental sustainability. A statistically significant positive relationship between these indices was also established, which indicates the relationship between the level of digitalization and energy efficiency indicators. The practical significance of the article lies in developing recommendations for implementing digital technologies to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions at the national level. The proposed strategies can be used to improve energy system management, integrate renewable energy sources, reduce costs, and enhance the resilience of energy systems to external threats, including cybersecurity. This article can be helpful for scientists, students, politicians, representatives of government organizations, and enterprises working in the field of energy and ecology. It will be a valuable source of information for those interested in sustainable development, the digitalization of energy systems, and the implementation of innovative technologies to improve energy efficiency.