Kreiranje planerskog modela razvoja subregiona južne Srbije u cilju unapređenja procesa urbanizacije, sa osvrtom na potencijale obnovljivih izvora energije

Abstract

Urbanization is a profound phenomenon with extensive implications for society, the economy, and the environment. If harnessed effectively, it can catalyze significant social and economic development. From a social perspective, urbanization fosters cultural exchange and social diversity while enhancing service accessibility. However, it also has drawbacks, including exacerbating socio-economic inequalities and weakening rural areas. In terms of urban development management, urbanization poses complex challenges to local and national policies. The process is not uniform but varies significantly across different regions and countries, reflecting diverse historical, socio-economic, and cultural contexts. Consequently, understanding and addressing urbanization requires a comprehensive approach, particularly in the context of the southern Serbian subregion of Jablanica and Pčinj districts under study. This subregion is categorized as underdeveloped with developmental and demographic challenges. Despite these issues, it possesses considerable untapped renewable energy resources. The limited use of these resources leads to irreversible losses, reducing the area's appeal and adversely impacting population retention in the southern Serbian subregion. Hence, it's crucial to integrate this aspect into the planning process and utilize renewable energy sources (RES) fully with the help of modern knowledge and technologies to enhance the urbanization process. In this context, the two dominant types of renewable energy sources in the subregion, biomass and solar energy, are examined. Biomass is the principal form of renewable energy in the Jablanički and Pčinj districts due to the abundance of agricultural resources. On the local scale, the City of Vranje exhibits considerable solar potential. This research aims to develop a comprehensive, scientifically-grounded approach to explaining Serbia's urbanization phenomenon, in order to innovate the development planning model. The model is intended to enhance the quality and rate of urbanization in underdeveloped regional areas, particularly through more efficient use of renewable energy sources. In pursuit of this goal, the paper analyzes selected examples of sustainable settlement management using RES, leveraging the knowledge gained to develop the model. The southern Serbian subregion serves as a representative sample for the model's development, with the expectation of applicability to other similar territorial and functional-spatial units. Guidelines for the model's implementation are also provided, along with recommendations for its application in regions with comparable developmental characteristics.