Abstract
In this article, the authors present methods based on hard coal that may ensure energy security for European Union countries. The research was carried out based on the example of Poland. The main reason for which coal is being gradually withdrawn from the energy mixes in EU countries is its negative impact on the natural environment and the health of citizens and economic factors related to domestic fuel production. The authors propose the creation of energy–chemical clusters as a solution to these problems. It is assumed that the clusters would operate following the principles of the circular economy. We also propose methods for the optimization of the production and transport costs within the cluster. Then, we conduct profitability analysis of the proposed waste management methods. At the level of the designated cluster, using network algorithms enabled us to reduce the transport costs by at least 50%. It is possible to obtain rare earth elements (REEs) worth USD 22,970 from 1 Mg of ash. At the level of the analyzed cluster, this leads to an annual profit of USD 3.5 billion. The profit related to algae production at the cluster level is approximately USD 2.5 bn.
Highlights
For each country, one of the fundamental aspects of national security is energy security.Access to energy is crucial for a sound economy and to ensure decent living standards for citizens
This article presents the case of Poland, a country whose energy mix is mainly based on coal
The clusters could produce fuel, generate energy, and recycle the waste generated in the combustion process to produce additional products
Summary
One of the fundamental aspects of national security is energy security.Access to energy is crucial for a sound economy and to ensure decent living standards for citizens. In the twenty-first century, countries worldwide are facing new challenges related to ensuring energy security for citizens. This security should be considered in terms of the availability of energy in adequate amounts at a given time; the price of energy, which enables every citizen to use it; and the impact of energy production on the natural environment. This article presents the case of Poland, a country whose energy mix is mainly based on coal (i.e., in approximately 50%). In electricity production, this share is even more significant and amounts to nearly 75% [2].
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