Research of microregion-related renewable energy tenders for local governments

Abstract

Green energy plays an increasingly important role nowadays, and its importance is being addressed worldwide. Polluting and irresponsible energy-wasting behaviour can lead to the depletion of natural resources in the long run, therefore the use of alternative energy sources instead of fossil fuels is the focus of attention. The current situation suggests that a very swift change in lifestyle would be necessary to be able to protect the remaining natural resources. The aim of the representative primary research was to assess and examine the use and application possibilities of green and renewable energy in all the twenty-five municipalities in the micro-region of Gyöngyös, Hungary. The topics of environmental protection, attitudes towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle and environmental sustainability were also important areas of the research. In addition to processing and analysing the literature, the questionnaire and in-depth interview as primary research was carried out with results of previous field research. The obtained results reveal that in the case of the municipalities, the energy gained by the sun (e.g., solar panels) can be used most efficiently, followed by biomass. These are mostly used in municipal buildings, mayoral offices and health centres. Developments and investments related to renewable energy have been implemented to a significant extent from national or European Union tender sources. The amount of planned renewable energy investments in the future is expected to be mainly between 10-25 million HUF (roughly 27500-69000 EUR) in the case of smaller municipalities, and more than 100 million HUF (276000 EUR) in the case of bigger local governments. 60% of the surveyed municipalities support the use of renewable energy at local level, while 24% do not, and a further 16% are unaware of such activities. 76% of local governments know about and support renewable energy investments affecting the population, such as the installation of solar panels and solar collectors.