Theoretical and practical foundations of creating energy independent rural territories

The purpose of the article is to work out a conceptual model of energy independent village in Ukrainian conditions taking into account foreign and national experience of introducing and functioning of the projects named “energy efficient village”. Research methods. The following scientific methods were the methodological basis for the research: historical-dialectical for investigating the state of rural territories in Ukraine; analysis and synthesis for considering foreign and national experience of creating and functioning of the projects named “energy efficient village”; theoretical search, and abstract and logical for revealing definite peculiarities of creating energy independent village, determining conditions for effective implementing project of raising energy independence of rural territory; modeling for working out a plan of measures for creating a model of energy independent village. Research results. The main reasons of deteriorating social-economic and ecological position of rural territories in Ukraine have been considered in the article, which primary stipulates the necessity of raising a level of their energy independence. Foreign and national experience for creating and fulfilling projects aimed at raising energy efficiency of rural territories has been given. Definite peculiarities of introducing a project of creating energy independent village have been determined. The conditions for effective implementation of a project of raising energy independence of rural territory have been elicited. The plan of measures for introducing a model of energy independent village taking into account the investigated projects in Ukraine has been given. Conceptual model for creating energy independent and efficient village has been made, beginning with work projecting and finishing with defining of technological and financial provision. The factors of ecological, social, and economic efficiency of developing and implementing projects named “energy efficient village” in conditions of rural territories in Ukraine have been determined. Topicality of developing and introducing projects in creating energy independent rural territories has been confirmed by the project Horyzont 2020 (Horizon 2020) named “Energy Village 500: Smart Local Energy Zones”, in which one of the townships of Poltava region participates. Elements of scientific novelty. Peculiarities for projects named “energy efficient village” have been determined, which are disclosed in stages of their implementation: problem identification, creating project suggestion, project introducing, and project results. Model of energy independent and efficient village, including measures beginning with work projecting and finishing with defining of technological and financial provision has been worked out. As a result of the research, ecological, social, and economic effects from creating and functioning energy independent village has been revealed. Practical significance. Research of world and national experience of implementing projects named “energy efficient village” confirmed their effectiveness in modern conditions with an aim to raise energy efficiency and energy independence of rural territories in Ukraine. The given process of introducing a project for creating energy independent village allows to foresee its peculiarities at all stages. Measures beginning with work projecting and finishing with defining of technological and financial provision have been highlighted in a conceptual model for energy independent and efficient village, which simplify process of working out a corresponding project. The determined criteria of ecological, social, and economic effects from creating and functioning energy independent village confirmed their topicality and necessity for rural development in a long-term perspective. Tabl.: 2. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 14.