Do the Polish Energy Clusters Have a Chance to Become Units Independent from External Energy Supplies and Can They Operate as Self-Financing Bodies?

Abstract

The Kyoto Protocol, the 3x20 Energy Package, Paris Agreement and the Winter Package are regulations which have imposed a requirement for their signatories to reduce CO2 emissions, through a reduction in energy production from conventional sources in favour of production utilising renewable energy sources (RES) and increasing energy efficiency. One of the ideas to meet these requirements is to create energy clusters that would serve as local power generators, where energy production is mainly based on RES. The idea is to build energy clusters which will become self-supporting bodies independent from external energy supplies and funding sources. In this article, the author illustrates the current situation of energy clusters in Poland and, using analytical calculations, presents the premise underlying the expected synergy effect in clusters. Finally, the author attempts to answer the question of whether it is possible to build ideal energy clusters, which will become self-supporting bodies independent from external energy supplies and funding sources.