Comparison of energy security index in selected developed and developing countries (2000-2020)

Energy security represents a vital and multifaceted component contributing to national and global stability. Currently, no universally accepted methodology exists for quantitative assessment of energy security. Nevertheless, the prevailing scientific approach defines and quantifies energy security in a manner that accounts for the rapid transformations within the global economy and geopolitical landscape. Studying the Energy Security Index across developed and developing countries can provide valuable insights regarding energy security. In this paper, after identifying the most important categories defining energy security, a comprehensive Energy Security Index was developed utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA). For this purpose, data from 111 selected countries spanning 2000 to 2020 were analyzed. The research findings indicate an overall improvement in global energy security and enhanced performance among developed countries. Moreover, according to these findings, oil-producing countries did not possess an advantage in energy security relative to non-oil-producing countries. Therefore, strategically managing the components defining energy security, especially within developing countries, is recommended.
1-Introduction
Energy security which is a multifaceted concept plays a vital part in promoting both national and global stability. No single method has been adopted to evaluate energy security so far. Based on the scientific method, however, energy security can still be defined and measured in a way that it can follow the rapid developments in the economic and geopolitical realm of the world. This study aims to compare the energy security index, focusing on two distinct groups: developed and developing countries. The survey that has been done on these two groups can offer invaluable insights into the dynamics, policy formulation, energy security strategies, and the challenges that exist between these two categories of countries. Moreover, data from 111 countries (between 2000 to 2020) were used for the current study.
2-Theoretical framework
The concept of energy security is extremely broad and it is dependent upon different factors such as political condition of a country, its level of economic development, risks, the strength of its energy system, and geopolitical issues, and so on. Therefore, in defining energy security, several researchers primarily concentrate on the security of supply, such as the accessibility and pricing of energy. In contrast, other researchers pay more attention to a holistic definition that includes downstream impacts, particularly those affecting economic and social welfare. In recent years, the scope /realm of energy security has broadened and newer definitions have been given to it.  Moreover, energy security has been expanded in terms of economic development, social matters, energy efficiency, and even sustainable development, and environmental protection. The Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP) defines energy security as the ability that an economy has to guarantee that energy resources will be available at a price that does not detrimentally impact its performance. According to the previously mentioned definition, the APCTP proposes a four-dimensional concept regarding energy security which is as follows: 1) availability, 2) accessibility, 3) acceptability, and 4) affordability. These four dimensions have been extensively examined within the energy security literature and serve as the foundational pillars for the energy security framework. The current study tries to further expand these dimensions.
3- Methodology
Considering the goals of the current study, an energy security index that can be measured on both global and national scales of different countries has been set. Since energy security is multidimensional, a cumulative index can be put to use for energy security indexing. This index can be used as a measurable tool for energy security, thereby serving as a valuable tool in policy-making. In order to calculate this index, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method, which has been used in previous studies in the field will be applied in the current study. This method helps us reduce the dimensions of the data and find a set of new linear components that maximize variance within the dataset. Based on the definition provided by APCTP, the current study will determine the dimensions of energy security accordingly. Furthermore, several more dimensions which are governance, efficiency, and finally indexing using six dimensions will be added.
4-Discussion  
Considering the extensive data set related to the energy security index, the PCA method is employed for an in-depth analysis of the outcomes. Moreover, this analysis is conducted based on annual trends. Calculating the average annual trends for countries within each category (developed and developing) will make it possible for proper scientific analyses to be done. According to the results derived from the years under study, developed nations have higher degree of energy security compared to their developing counterparts. In fact, the presence of suitable infrastructures for development, considering both physical and institutional factors, can contribute to the enhancement of energy security. Interestingly, the majority of nations rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas fall within the category of developing countries. Nonetheless, based on an inclusive definition regarding the energy security employed in this study, it is observed that generally speaking, developed countries have been in a better situation. Recognizing the significance of nations possessing oil resources (considered one of the most crucial sources of global energy security), this study broadens the scope of its analyses. It examines the status of the average trend of energy security in both developed and developing nations, further distinguishing between oil-producing and non-oil-producing countries. The findings reveal that the energy security index for oil-producing nations across both groups generally aligns with, or is lower than the corresponding index for non-oil-producing countries. In other words, during the time that the current study was conducted, countries that had oil resources were not necessarily superior in energy security over other countries.
5- Conclusion and suggestion
In terms of both economics and policy, energy security has always been a significant matter within the strategic policies of nations. By paying more attention to energy security, developed countries have managed to attain greater success. Moreover, in light of the results obtained, having oil resources, despite its defined importance over the past two decades has not resulted in a high energy security score for any given country. Based on the level of development of countries, it is important to conduct an analysis of energy security. This can help provide an in-depth understanding of global energy systems. Furthermore, based on the results obtained, it is proposed that by considering the influential dimensions and constituents that form the energy security index, one can control and manage each of these dimensions to expand energy security in line with countries like China and Cyprus, which have had very successful results. Meanwhile, paying attention to the drivers of economic development can significantly expedite the process.