POSSIBILITIES OF ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT IN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS IN SLOVAKIA

References: 14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014, www.sgem.org, SGEM2014 Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-619-7105-19-3 / ISSN 1314-2704, June 19-25, 2014, Book 5, Vol. 3, 323-330 pp

ABSTRACT
In regard of the rapid decline of world oil reserves and rapidly progressing climate
change, which creates an ever stronger pressure to change the orientation of energy production from fossil fuels to other types of energy sources, the increase of the importance of energy self-efficiency is evident. Energy self-efficiency is essential not only at national but also at regional and municipality level. Regions should actively plan the development of their own energy policy so they decrease their dependence on unstable global energy market. Most regions - especially rural - have enormous potential of savings and very good conditions for using their own renewable energy sources. The paper analyzes the possibilities that are available to municipalities in improving their energy self-sufficiency; specify the economic, social and environmental benefits that are associated with energy self-efficiency, as well as barriers and challenges in its implementation.

Keywords: energy, environment, self-efficiency, municipality, consumption, renewable energy sources