Obnovljivi izvori energije kao faktor ekonomskog razvoja i unapređenja energetske sigurnosti zemalja zapadnog Balkana

Abstract

One of the major challenges at the global level is the security of energy supply in conditions of reducing the stock of non-renewable energy sources, given the political instability in the countries which produce energy and uncertain natural disasters. What is relevant is a challenge that relates to the protection of the environment, reducing pollution and managing climate change. There is need for energy transition, which is only possible in the long term. Orientation towards renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on a single energy source, increasing the number of suppliers is a way to meet these challenges and ensure a higher level of not only energy, but also the economic, environmental, technological, political security. Energy security is a multidimensional concept that includes not only the elements of the concept of sustainable development, but also security of supply, the technical characteristics of the energy system, the political and security aspects. It is necessary to distinguish the energy security from energy dependence, because energy security problem is not related only to the imported energy dependence. Thus, energy security is an integral concept that combines different aspects in order to ensure long-term sustainability of energy supply. Any form of threat to the balance of the energy system can jeopardize GDP, political stability, and prosperity of the citizens. In order to monitor progress towards a sustainable way of using energy sources and achieving security of supply, energy indicators which can monitor and measure the change are needed. There are a number of indicators that show the level of energy security. They can be simple, but very complicated or complex. Complex indicators take into account the entire energy system from production to final consumption. In order to ensure objectivity in evaluating the level of energy security, the issue of this dissertation is the calculation of the composite index. On the basis of calculated general indicators of the level of energy security, in the form of a composite index of energy security, it is perceived position of Serbia in relation to the countries of the Western Balkans and the European Union and placed the basis for future research and prerequisites for the further development of the concept of energy security.