Small-Scale Renewable Energy Systems in the Development of Distributed Generation in Poland

Abstract

Small-scale renewable energy systems in the context of the development of distributed generation, are discussed for the case of Poland. A distributed energy system is efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, and is one of the most recent trends in the development of the energy sector in Poland. One of the important dimensions of this process is the creation of micro-and small-power producers based on renewable, locally-available energy sources. It is clear that the development of small-scale renewable energy producers takes place in two ways. One of these is through small hydropower plants, which are the aftermath of hydropower development in areas traditionally associated with water use for energy purposes (northern and western Poland). The second is through other renewable energy sources, mainly biogas and solar energy and located primarily in southern Poland, in highly urbanized areas (e.g. Śląskie Voivodship). In conclusion, the development of small-scale renewable energy systems in Poland is regarded as a good option with respect to sustainable development. Shrnutí Malo-měřítkové systémy obnovitelné energie v rozvoji rozptýlené výroby v PolskuČlánek pojednává o malo-měřítkových systémech obnovitelné energie v kontextu rozvoje rozptýlené výroby v Polsku. Systém rozptýlené produkce je efektivní, spolehlivý a šetrný k životnímu prostředí a je jedním z nejnovějších trendů rozvoje energetického sektoru v Polsku. Jednou z důležitých dimenzí tohoto procesu je vznik mikro a malovýrobců na bázi obnovitelných, lokálně dostupných zdrojů. Malo-měřítková produkce obnovitelné energie se rozvíjí dvěma směry. První je prostřednictvím malých vodních elektráren, které jsou pokračovatelem rozvoje vodní energie v oblastech tradičně spojených s využíváním vody pro energetické účely (severní a západní Polsko). Druhý je prostřednictvím dalších obnovitelných zdrojů, zejména bioplynu a sluneční energie, převážně ve vysoce urbanizovaných oblastech jižního Polska (Slezské vojvodství). Z článku vyplývá, že malo-měřítkové systémy výroby obnovitelné energie jsou vhodnou volbou z hlediska trvale udržitelného rozvoje.

Smart Energy in a Smart City: Utopia or Reality? Evidence from Poland

“…Secondly, large-scale renewable energy installations require significant financial outlays stemming from, among other things, high urban land prices and the need for complicated bureaucratic procedures. Thirdly, developing large RES installations entails significant environmental costs [81,82].…”

“…RES has the potential to be made more widespread in smart cities through the development of distributed generation (DG), which involves energy generation based on small-scale decentralized technologies that meet mainly local needs [82,83]. In accordance with the act on renewable energy sources of 20 February 2015 [84] in Poland, a small installation does not exceed 500 kW, and a micro-installation does not exceed 50 kW.…”

Overcoming energy injustice? Bulgaria’s renewable energy transition in times of crisis

“…At the same time, expanding renewables is associated with wider environmental, economic and societal benefits. These include lower energy costs in the medium to long-run (Fabra et al, 2015), as well as an improved availability and sustainability of the energy system in terms of reduced emissions, distributed power generators, and an infinite resource availability (International Energy Agency, 2009;World Nuclear Association, 2011;Omer, 2008;Chodkowska-Miszczuk, 2014). However, the majority of literature on renewable energy transitions has focussed on wealthy countries, such as Denmark, Germany, and the UK (Foxon et al, 2008;Cherrington et al, 2013;Toke, 2011;Lund, 2007;Jacobsson and Lauber, 2006;Lehr et al, 2012;Stefes, 2010).…”

Renewable Energy and Rural Autonomy: A Case Study with Generalizations

“…Energy, one of the most important resources necessary for life, is interrelated with the economic development of the state [1]. The nature of social and economic development that we observe today owes much to the availability of energy [2]. If energy were not provided, we would have to change the consumer-driven lifestyle we are so used to.…”