Analysis of the Possibility of Achieving Energy Self-Sufficiency on the Communal Level in North-Eastern Poland
Seweryn Lipiński
University of Warmia and Mazury in OlsztynTomasz Olkowski
Abstract
The pursuit of energy self-sufficiency is understandable, as there can exist many reasons standing behind such pursuit. When considering commune level, many factors can influence the possibility of achieving energy self-sufficiency, but one thing is certain – this idea can be achieved by utilizing local renewable sources of energy, saving energy, and using it more efficiently. Such approach allows dealing with both climate change and energy crisis and can be beneficial for the local population, environment, and economy. The main aim of the work is to answer the question whether it is possible to achieve energy self-sufficiency on the communal level in north-eastern Poland. Five communes were analysed in terms of achieving both electric and heat self-sufficiency. We also checked whether there is an impact of selected municipal parameters on the value of energy potential of local energy sources. The results of our study indicate that achieving self-sufficiency is easier in terms of electricity (in 2 out of 5 communes the potential is more than twice as high as the demand) than in terms of heat (in 4 out of 5 communes the potential is more than twice lower than the demand, only in one the potential is close to the demand). It should be emphasized, that differences in the results obtained for different communes indicate that local factors have great influence on energy potential of individual communes.
Keywords:
community energy, self-sufficiency, regional development, renewable energy, utilization of biomassReferences
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University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
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