Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 1
Written by Maricel CAZACU, Liviu MARCUTA, Alina MARCUTA, Cristiana TINDECHE, Nicolae MINEA

The analysis of natural gas consumption and its impact on energy sustainability and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector is an important topic, given the energy transition and challenges related to the security of resource supply. Natural gas is essential for energy production, industry and agriculture, and changes in its consumption directly influence production costs. This study aims to investigate the relationship between variations in gas consumption and sustainable agricultural growth, as well as to detect patterns in natural gas consumption within the European Union and analyze their effects on sustainability. The research's methodology is based on statistical analysis of data on natural gas consumption at the European level using a number of pertinent indicators, including the rates of domestic consumption growth and decline, the final consumption of energy generated from natural gas, the non-energy use of natural gas, and the availability of natural gas in European nations. The data was processed using comparative and correlative analytical tools to determine the effect of gas use on economic sustainability, which directly affects agriculture. The findings show that natural gas use has significantly decreased since 2019, accentuated in 2022, which generated increases in prices and energy costs for all categories of consumers, including agricultural farms. Also, the reduction in the amount of natural gas used in energy transformation processes indicates a decrease in dependence on energy generated from fossil fuels, but also the need for substantial investments to adopt viable alternatives, including in the case of agriculture. On the other hand, the decrease in non-energy consumption of natural gas has a direct impact on production, which has led to price increases, including agricultural inputs, and to economic pressures on businesses with limited financial resources, including agricultural farms. The study underlines the need for support policies, aimed at facilitating adaptation to the new energy conditions and ensuring a balanced transition towards sustainable and energy efficient production systems.

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