The Impact of the Regional Features on the Dynamics of the Energy Transition in the USA

Despite the United States' role as one of the leaders in the international climate agenda, the country remains the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally and the second-largest producer and consumer of energy. Considering the territorial characteristics of the United States is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of decarbonization measures, the success of which is achievable only through a balanced and evenly distributed strategy. The aim of our study is to identify the key factors influencing the readiness and capability of states to develop renewable energy sources, to determine the challenges they may face, and to group states based on their progress towards carbon neutrality. The research involves both qualitative and quantitative methods. The methodology is based on the use of cluster analysis, which is necessary for identifying and systematizing the impact of U.S. states' characteristics on their climate and energy strategies in 2016 and 2021. Additionally, the study develops an Energy Transition Index (ETI) to assess the progress of U.S. states in the field of decarbonization in 2021.