No abstract

Humanity, as we know it, has always had a growing need for energy. The industrial revolution generated an excess in the exploitation of the Earth’s natural resources. As a result, global warming, climate change and CO2 emissions have become topics frequently addressed in various political, economic and in today’s press debates. Romania is no exception to this trend. Although the industrial revolution began a few decades later than in the developed countries such as England, France and the USA, environmental consequences follow the same path. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness of the direction and implications of using the so-called conventional resources in energy production. Energy resources are the material bases of a country’s energy policy, the premise of energy development studies. It is advisable to promote all energy sources and practices that are positive for the environment and to intensify efforts to manage the pollutant emissions generated by energy production. Even though some renewable energy sources have been exploited for a long time (for example, hydropower), it is essential to draw the attention of producers, consumers, governors and investors and other unconventional energy sources so that the electricity produced from renewable sources can grow in the near future. Governments will need to take measures in the area of taxation, subsidies and regulations, which will not only help them achieve their energy security and environmental goals, but also contribute to promoting technical progress and economic development. What it intends to present is the real state and trends of the conventional resources used in energy production in Romania

Energy efficiency is often characterized as the most valuable form of energy, since it reduces costs and the negative impact on the environment associated with energy consumption, but also the dependence on energy imports. The highest potential for increasing energy efficiency in Romania is found in the heating of buildings, in the transformation of primary energy resources into electricity. In Romania, 86% of the built area is represented by residential buildings. From the 8.1 million housing units, single-family homes are dominant, accounting for 61% of these. The article aims to highlight the importance of investments in rural areas in order to increase energy efficiency. The energy from renewable sources is not adequately considered in the rural development programming exercise. The energy efficiency measures provide medium-term gain opportunities and long, by promoting saving solutions by reducing production and consumption costs, reducing the environmental impact and at the same time ensuring the promotion of economic and social development. The results of this study show the possibility of developing the “what-if” analysis, which can help the decision makers to choose the best adaptation strategy. In order to be able to make the best investment decisions in equipment and choose the right energy sources, consumers need access to the alternative energy sources (especially in rural areas) and quality information on the options they have and to financing opportunities. Soon, it will be necessary to support the cogeneration systems based on biomass and biogas in semi-urban areas, with the centralized distribution of the thermal agent.