Insufficiency of renewable energy. How do the transition to green energy economies and foreign direct investment affect energy poverty in Europe?

We analyze the relationships among the main European energy policies within the context of the green transition and foreign direct investment (FDI) in relation to energy poverty. By employing robust estimators, we determine that there is an insufficient effect of renewable energy penetration in the European Union from 2004 to 2022. This trend is further confirmed by the analysis of energy productivity. Abrupt increases in income levels or demographic dispersion also contribute to the rise of energy poverty. On the other hand, higher overall energy penetration reduces energy poverty. Additionally, both inward foreign direct investment from eurozone countries and outward foreign direct investment to eurozone countries help alleviate the pressure on energy demand, thereby reducing energy poverty. • Energy transition policies and FDI are studied on energy poverty • European Union countries are examined between 2004 and 2022. • Renewable energy penetration might contribute to energy poverty • FDI contributes to improve energy supply lowering energy poverty rates • Energy productivity policies affect energy distribution contributing to high energy poverty