Hierarchical Structure Analysis of Electricity Consumption Based on Alternative Energy Sources: A Comparative Assessment of 66 Countries

Energy is of strategic importance in terms of economic growth, sustainable development, and environmental balance. The continuous increase in global energy demand necessitates the development of new policies for the use of energy resources. Traditional fossil fuel-based energy production does not offer a sustainable solution in the long term due to its environmental impacts and limited reserves. This situation is driving countries toward the more widespread use of renewable energy sources. Alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy support environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy supply security. However, there are significant differences among countries in terms of their rates of alternative energy use, levels of economic development, energy policies, and infrastructure capabilities. This study aims to analyze the consumption of electricity generated from alternative energy sources using hierarchical structure methods. In the study, topological analysis was performed using minimal spanning tree (MST) and hierarchical tree (HT) methods, based on data on electricity consumption from alternative energy sources in 66 countries worldwide between 1990 and 2023. The reliability of the obtained networks was tested using the Bootstrap method. The findings indicate that developed countries lead in renewable energy use, while developing countries are increasingly investing in this area. Additionally, a strong correlation was found between countries' energy consumption patterns and their levels of economic development. In this context, the role of renewable energy sources in economic growth and environmental sustainability was emphasized, and it was concluded that energy policies must be effectively managed.