Conceptual foundations of effective functioning of energy independent rural areas

The purpose of the article is to determine and justify conceptual foundations of creating and effective functioning of energy independent rural areas aimed at achieving equilibrium position and sustainable long-term development of their ecological, social, and economic system. Research methods. In the research process the following scientific methods were used: historical-dialectical (using existing alternative energy sources); analysis and synthesis (determining advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources); theoretical search and abstract-logical (determining directions of using alternative energy sources for supply to buildings and constructions in rural areas); modelling (formulating ecological, social, and economic foundations of energy independence and energy efficiency of rural areas). Research results. Topicality of using existing alternative energy sources for ensuring energy independence of rural areas through advantages and disadvantages of their using was substantiated in the article. Stages, which are necessary to conduct for ensuring energy independence of a rural area, were determined. Taking into account ecological, social, and economic criteria of using biomass and solar energy, directions of using alternative energy sources for supply to buildings and constructions in rural areas were suggested. Prospects for using biomass in providing energy independence of rural areas together with possibility of obtaining additional financial resources for their further development were considered. Practical data concerning efficiency of using biomass as an alternative energy source were given. Elements of scientific novelty. Directions of using biomass and solar energy for supply to buildings and constructions in rural areas, taking into account ecological, social, and economic criteria, were suggested. Positive impact of introducing objects of alternative power engineering in villages was determined. Directions, on which the triune concept of sustainable rural development was based, taking into account ecological, social, and economic components, were revealed. Practical significance. Expediency of using existing alternative energy sources for ensuring energy independence of rural areas through advantages and disadvantages of their using was considered. Stages, which are necessary to perform for ensuring energy independence of rural areas, were disclosed. Prospects for using biomass in ensuring energy independence of rural areas together with possibility for obtaining additional financial resources for their further development were substantiated. Figs.: 2. Refs.: 15.