Renewable energy sources play a key role in decarbonizing the economy of the European Union (EU) and the world. The aim of this research is to present the development of the renewable energy sources (RES) sector in the European Union (EU), with particular emphasis on sustainable development. The EU guidelines, requirements, and directives were analyzed in order to meet the provisions of the energy policy to ensure energy and climate security. The potential of the RES was studied in the EU countries, and the possibility of its use in cogeneration with the use of local renewable resources. The results are presented in tabular, graphic, and descriptive forms. The results are presented based on the extensive literature on the subject and data from Eurostat. The data covered 2004–19. We used different methods to evaluate the changes in the RES in the EU countries. First, we compiled descriptive statistics; second, we used the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test (ADF test); and, finally, we used the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model (GARCH model). Our analysis found that the EU increased the share of RES. The biggest share of energy from renewable energy sources was found in 2019 in Iceland (78%), Norway (74%), and Sweden (56%). The biggest increase in the share of RES in 2004–19 was found in Malta (8322%), Great Britain (1126%), and Luxemburg (784%). The results demonstrate the development of RES in the EU countries. However, not all countries achieved the planned goal in 2019.

The aim of this research was to present the changes in biomass production, especially pellets in Poland, in the context of world’s and European Union’s (EU) climate and energy policy, compared to other renewable energy sources. We also analyzed the law concerning the biomass production in the EU. Finally, we have elaborated the prognosis of the pellet production on the world scale. We have used different methods to achieve the goals, among which the most important are the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH model) and prognosis. We also compared the results of pellet production in different countries in the European Union. The results were presented in tabular and graphic form. We have received the data from Eurostat and the Main Statistical Office (MSO) in Poland. Our research proves the increase of biomass and pellet production on the global scale. Moreover, global wood pellet production increased by 972% in the years 2005–18. We can conclude that this increase was the result of increasing demand for renewable energy sources. The first research hypothesis assumed that the changes in the European Union Policy have impacted the increase of biomass production in the world. Our prognosis confirmed the second hypothesis that the development of pellets will increase as the result of increasing global demand. The use of more renewable energy sources is necessary to decrease the degradation of the environment.

The article presents the potential and possibilities of the biomass market development in Poland and the spatial possibilities of the use of this raw material. The source and origin of biomass were indicated, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages for its further use and take into account the diversity and apply it to local needs. Biomass based on substrates of plant and animal contributes to the development of the energy sector throughout the country. In the course of the analysis tabular, graphical and descriptive methods were used.

No abstract

The European Union’s policy on environmental protection and energy security is not only a set of regulations and bans. At the same time, it introduces new opportunities for economic development, it enhances ecological safety and contributes to public health protection by limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This policy contributes to the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and those take an essential part in limiting consumption of basic energy sources and fossil fuels that are responsible for the current state and further deterioration of our environment. Environmental and energy education of our society has a significant impact on further development of renewable energy sources. It presents real dangers but also values derived from the development of green energy with the support of the state. It will bring a tangible improvement in the society’s quality of life. <br><b>Aim:</b> The main purpose of the article is to attempt to determine the development of the renewable energy sector in the EU. The regulations, EU directives, laws and the current role of the state in the development of the renewable energy market were analyzed. <br><b>Materials and Methods:</b> The source of the data was the extensive literature on the subject and Eurostat. This work used tabular, graphic and descriptive methods. <br><b>Results:</b> Analysis show that energy safety and environmental protection are one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. With the rapid depletion of conventional energy sourcesand the continued growing demand for energy, on which the growth of GDP depends globally, causes accelerated degradation of the environment, and with it , greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As far as energy safety and environmental protection is concerned, the policy of the European Union , through its actions,strives towards development of the renewable energy market . This in turn prevents the depletion of resources and environmental pollution. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The current EU situation, including countries like Poland, shows that the development of renewable energy is one of the most pressing issues in modern management, where renewable energy plays a key role in protecting the environment, public health and economic growth. It also prevents resource depletion, environmental pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It sometimes occurs with the opposition of the private sector and its citizens. To a large extent it is dependent on the availability of financial support from the state.