The problem of energy poverty in the activities of agricultural advisory centres in Poland

Abstract

It is necessary in agricultural consulting to take into account the current problems as well as economic and social challenges facing rural areas. Undoubtedly, sustainable economy and energy policy is such a problem in Poland, including the issue of access to energy from renewable sources and financial possibilities of meeting the electricity demand of households and agriculture. Therefore, advisory and information activities in the field of reducing energy poverty and improving air quality are important. The main purpose of the paper was to identify and assess the role of advisory entities in the process of counteracting energy poverty in rural areas in Poland. The basic research method was an expert (survey) study. Research shows that the subject of energy poverty is relatively rarely taken up by consulting institutions as part of training courses, especially issues related to saving electricity in the household/agricultural sector are marginalized; monitoring and analysis of energy consumption; selection of technical devices in terms of energy efficiency. Based on expert research, there were identified consultancy activities that are and may be important in the topic under study. Experts indicated co-financing of activities in the field of energy efficiency as the preferred way to fight energy poverty in agriculture and rural areas. The results may constitute an important direction in the development of consultancy, the basis for building priority programs, which in turn may affect the behaviour and actions of farmers and other inhabitants of rural areas in the context of energy transformation. The performed research may constitute the basis for further, in-depth analyses in other countries and on an international scale.

Energy Transition Scenarios for Energy Poverty Alleviation: Analysis of the Delphi Study

“…The great importance in the context of the use of renewable energy and the reduction in energy poverty [49] has the impact of policy actions, as well as the widest possible use of renewable energy and not focusing on only one of its elements (e.g., solar energy). Extensive scientific research should be carried out on the widest possible use of various types of energy, as the specific geographical location of countries contributes to the fact that different types of energy can be used to a different extent [50].…”

Ауыл Шаруашылығы Электр Энергиясының Жай-Күйін, Өсімін Молайту Мен Пайдаланылуын Экономикалық Бағалау

“…Мұндай проблема тұрақты экономика және энергетикалық саясат, оның ішінде жаңартылатын көздерден энергияға қол жеткізу және үй шаруашылықтары мен ауыл шаруашылығындағы электр энергиясына сұранысты қанағаттандырудың қаржылық мүмкіндіктері болып табылатыны сөзсіз. Сондықтан энергетикалық кедейлікті азайту және ауа сапасын жақсарту саласындағы консультативтік және ақпараттық қызмет өте маңызды (Piwowar, 2021).…”

Energy Poverty as a Current Problem in the Light of Economic and Social Challenges

“…Issues related to energy poverty in agriculture could be considered and compared in terms of the axis "farming households-farming enterprises". Furthermore, such issues can be further developed in a wider scope, e.g., as part of the concept of agrobusiness [41]. In this context, assessments could be made of the influence of energy poverty on the food economy over different time periods and locations.…”