Purpose:The development of high computing power in a compact form factor in conjunction with alternative energy sources allows you to build "smart" energy networks even within a separate household, increasing energy efficiency and energy security. However, distributed energy is faced criticism for widespread implementation, as well as with other factors that do not allow accelerating the development of technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to select and analyze the most effective tools for the functioning of distributed energy systems using the example of EU countries. Design/Methodology/Approach: The historical aspects of the development of small energy systems, the legislative definition and the range of possibilities of these systems, as well as the scientific and technological research units carried out using distributed energy systems, are considered in this research. Findings: The article actualizes the importance of alternative energy sources as one of the promising directions for the development of the energy system of EU countries. Practical Implications: Alternative energy is a key component of small energy technologies, due to environmental friendliness, adaptability and the ability to install almost any dimension of energy-generating equipment. Also, this energy source is inexhaustible, which means it reduces the energy dependence of countries on the extraction and/or import of raw materials for energy production and increases the energy security of the energy network. Originality/Value: It is worth noting that distributed energy has great potential for distribution and development in the long term, which is necessary to study all the positive and negative aspects of small energy systems in order to minimize the negative factors of small energy and strengthen the individual will opt for distributed energy and then disseminate successful experience everywhere.

Purpose: Fuel & Energy Complex (FEC) has a significant share in the economic system and has the most extensive potential for introducing innovations. Authors suggest innovative potential of regional FEC considering the specifics of regional economic development. Design/Methodology/Approach: To evaluate the attainability of economic growth in conjunction with the goals of energy efficiency and energy independence and to make decisions on adjustments in energy policy, the authors propose a three-component integrated index of elasticity of energy efficiency for each typological group of region, including the index of innovative potential of the regional Fuel & Energy Complex, the index of energy supply efficiency of consumers in the region and the sustainability index of the region's energy system. Findings: The survey identified five typological groups of regions reflecting the features of regional FEC development. Considering the significance of factors affecting innovative potential, seven groups of such factors were proposed for formation, and the significance of each factor was determined in accordance with the typological group of the region. Practical implications: Each of the three components of the integrated index makes its specific contribution to the resulting quantitative indicator, the value of which will reflect the degree to which the regional energy policy has reached its target priorities, and to meet the urgent challenges of modern innovative sustainable energy technologies. Originality/Value: Realisation of the innovative potential of regional FEC should be closely linked with indicators of energy efficiency and energy independence in order to ensure the development of regional economies, including the achievement of global climate goals.