The role of energy efficiency in ensuring sustainable development

Abstract

The aim of the article is to study and summarize international experience improving the energy efficiency of national economies to make proposals for implementation of its concept in Ukraine. The paper`s goal is to define the directions of the formation regional innovation system based on the creation energy clusters as a basis for policy implementation energy efficiency in the region. The main prerequisites for the implementation of effective implementation of energy-saving technologies in the regional economy based on development of innovative activities of cluster members. Proposed measures to ensure the implementation of the energy saving strategy and energy efficiency in the region using modern cluster technologies. The paper highlights the role of energy efficiency technologies in the context of achieving sustainable development. The work defines that the usage of energy efficient technologies is a prerequisite of economic sustainability. The best practices of the EU in energy efficiency implementation are discussed. The paper considers that achieving the expected results in energy efficiency is possible with the development of an effective sustainable management system. The paper proposes to enhance the actions in sustainable use of energy sources and activate the usage of energy saving technologies to ensure the sustainable development. The reduction in energy consumption is possible in the case if society will work fruitfully in the following main areas: formation of energy-saving worldview involving all stakeholders; awareness of the general relationship between economic and ecological development at the local, regional and state levels; flexible energy and economic policy of governmental bodies on the national and local levels; strengthening international cooperation in the field of energy saving.