A symbiosis between renewable energy and tourism: The case ofDnipro region in Ukraine

Abstract

Transition economies have less ambition to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in comparison with developed economies. However, if to compare the benchmarks under Goal 9 "Affordable and clean energy"for Ukraine with the trends of its energy balance, the satisfaction of the relevant ambitions is possible only with a comprehensive approach. Purpose of the study is to analyse the multifaceted innovative intersectoral cooperation and inclusion of energy-tourism projects in the regional socio-economic and ecological programs, in accordance with the reference benchmarks under SDGs in Ukraine. The paper has outlined an approach to activation the relationship between renewable energy and tourism sphere, on the example of solar power plants in the Dnipro region. Implementation of the proposed, in the study, part of the regional program will create opportunities: for tourism sphere - improving the tourist image of the region, increasing in the number of domestic tourists, creating new jobs, increasing in volume of tourist services, increasing in revenues from tourism to regional and local budgets; for renewable energy sphere: also improving an image and information policy, increasing in number of future customers, generating additional income, improving indicators of social and environmental effectivness. The proposals set out in the paper will serve in the future as basis for the development of the ideas of energy-tourism symbiosis within the European Green Deal.