Renewable energy and rural autonomy: A case study with generalizations

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential to satisfy some energy needs of a rural municipality using renewable energy sources. The research was conducted in the territory of the Municipality of Nowa Słupia in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland. The novel aspect of this study was to assess current and potential production of energy from renewable sources. The study included consideration of sources of energy such as the sun, water, wind, and biogas of plant origin; and distinguishing actual, potential, and overall renewable energy sources in the period from the time of the study to 2025. The assessment was based on the sum of existing individual sources and also on opportunities revealed in a development trend analysis of these energy sources. Currently, the municipality does not consume energy from renewable energy sources. In view of the potential volume of energy from renewables, the municipality could meet the demands of its residents at 7.6%. The current volume of thermal energy from renewables, it is here estimated that the municipality could meet the demands at the level of 10.3%. In the future, this source could be developed further beyond the present level of 65.8%, which together with energy crop biomass obtained on set-aside land (approximately 70% of available land) would cover 76.1% of the requirements of municipality residents. This article also includes a few more general ideas about sustainable development and energy as suggested by the case study.