Strategic directions for energy efficiency based on intellectual decarbonization: a cluster analysis

The object of research is the processes of substantiating strategic directions for energy efficiency on the basis of intelligent decarbonization and sustainable development based on cluster analysis, taking into account international experience and challenges of the global environment. The problem that has been addressed is the lack of a systematic approach to clustering countries by energy efficiency, which also takes into account indicators of intelligent decarbonization. This makes it difficult to develop targeted strategies to improve energy efficiency and decarbonization, especially given the specifics of AI and innovative technologies in different countries. The essence of the study results is to identify five clusters of the selected countries such as USA, India, Japan, China, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Austria, Finland, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom using cluster analysis based on the following indicators: Applied AI research score. Government Strategy AI: Strategy score. Commercial Ecosystem AI: Companies score. Energy intensity. Carbon dioxide emissions from energy. Cluster 1 includes India and Ukraine, countries with high energy intensity and significant CO₂ emissions, but with the potential to develop intelligent decarbonization. Cluster 2 is represented by the United States, a leader in AI and innovation, with low energy intensity but high CO₂ emissions due to its advanced industry. Cluster 3 covers countries with low energy intensity and low CO₂ emissions but weak AI development. Cluster 4 includes China, a country with a high level of AI research and commercial ecosystem, but high energy intensity and CO₂ emissions due to intensive industry. Cluster 5 covers countries with medium to high AI development, low to medium energy intensity, and varying levels of CO₂ emissions. The key principles of energy efficiency in these clusters are identified and strategic priorities for the development of energy efficiency in modern countries are defined. The results obtained can be used in practice to develop energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies at the national and international levels.