Energy and Local Safety: How the Administration Limits Energy Security

Zbysław Dobrowolski

doi:10.3390/en14164841

Abstract

Energy safety is multifaceted and is not limited only to nuclear plants. The research on local energy safety is not considerable. This article creates new ground by analysing the Polish local energy safety system in the cause–effect context. Consistent with an abductive approach, this paper’s insights have emerged iteratively based on the theory reviewed and the empirical case. The research aimed to determine whether the local administration negatively affected energy security and proposed preventive measures increased limited energy security. The findings show that flawed local government operations reduce local energy safety. Moreover, the State authorities did not recognise the weaknesses of the local energy safety system properly. The findings make two main contributions: first, they contribute to developing energy safety theory; and second, this article contributes to a further contextual diagnosis of the comprehensive energy system and can, in turn, be relevant for its further studies in worldwide context.

Highlights

In the era of increasing conflicts and the need to maintain constant economic growth, energy safety is of particular importance
Analyses conducted in Polish institutions showed that the activity of public administration did not ensure an adequate level of local energy safety, in terms of covering the customers’ demand for heat and gaseous fuels and environmental protection requirements [1]
With the use of official documents, the study aimed at answering the following research question: do the activities of public administration ensure local energy safety? In order to answer such a question, it is necessary to obtain an answer to several specific questions: (1) are the tasks in the field of energy planning in municipalities carried out following the law and a manner ensuring the safety of electricity, heat and gas supplies to end-users? (2) Do the activities of municipalities ensure local energy safety while meeting environmental protection requirements? (3) Is the national strategy compatible with activities aimed at strengthening local energy safety? (4) Is the participation of the commune in the energy cluster an effective element of improving local energy safety?

Summary

Introduction

In the era of increasing conflicts and the need to maintain constant economic growth, energy safety is of particular importance. Energy safety can be defined as the state of the economy that allows covering the current and future fuel and energy supplies in a technically and economically justified manner while maintaining environmental protection requirements. Energy safety can be understood as the diversification of energy supply sources and ensuring the certainty of their supply at a price acceptable to society and the economy [1]. It is the optimal use of domestic energy resources, with the simultaneous use of new technology and active participation in international environmental and energy initiatives. Energy safety largely depends on the development and condition of the infrastructure with which electricity, heat and gaseous fuels are delivered to end-users.

Methods

Results

Conclusion