Double energy vulnerability in Eastern Europe: quantifying and verifying regional sensitivity to the phenomenon

This study considers 57 regions from 8 Eastern European countries and quantifies the sensitivity to double energy vulnerability of each region by developing a composite indicator. Double energy vulnerability is a concept describing simultaneous exposure to energy and transport poverty. Eastern European countries present high levels of double energy vulnerability; nonetheless, remaining an understudied macro-region. To understand the dependency between double energy vulnerability and rurality and tenure, the results are then compared with the rurality levels of the different regions, and to the national proportion spent on energy and transport services. The developed indicator provides an analysis of the phenomenon across Eastern Europe, quantifying regions' sensitivity to it by combining indicators stemming from different dimensions. Data from 2015 to 2024 was considered. Bulgaria is found to be the country presenting the highest level of double energy vulnerability. For the latter specifically, data at higher spatial resolution was utilised to have a more detailed understanding and to assess the obtained results. Finally, the results were verified by performing interviews with relevant experts in the field, considering also non-quantifiable aspects. The results provide a clearer picture of Eastern European regions' sensitivity to double energy vulnerability, highlighting the most sensitive ones.