engleski

Mapping the potential for decentralized energy generation based on RES in Western Balkans

Although the countries of the Western Balkans are greatly electrified, there are still regions which do not have access to the electricity network or where the network capacity is insufficient. For the most part such areas are under special care of the state (i.e. underdeveloped, devastated by war, depopulated), on islands or in mountainous regions. Since the decentralized energy generation covers a broad range of technologies, including many renewable energy technologies that provide small-scale power at sites close to the users, such concept could be of interest for these locations. This paper identifies the areas in Western Balkans where such systems could be applied. Consideration is given to geographical locations as well as possible applications. Wind, hydro, solar photovoltaic, and biomass conversion systems were taken into consideration. Since the renewable energy sources data for Western Balkans region are rather scarce, the intention was to give a survey of the present situation and an estimate of future potential for decentralized energy generation based on renewable energy sources. The decentralized energy generation based on renewable energy sources in Western Balkans will find its niche easier for the users that will produce electricity for their own needs and for the users located in remote rural areas (off-grid applications).

decentralized power production ; distributed energy generation ; renewable energy sources ; wind ; biomass ; solar ; hydro

Special issue of Thermal Science "New energy policy in South Eastern Europe" - Dubrovnik Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems