The efficiency calculation and selection of the optimal energy carrier in the aspect of sustainable development

The article examines energy efficiency as part of macro-scale energy resource management, highlighting its priority in the European Union due to climate change, reliance on fossil fuels, sustainable development, and energy security. The authors aim to evaluate the social and environmental effects of selecting the optimal energy carrier for sustainability. They analysed local energy carrier parameters, focusing on non-forest biomass and municipal waste in five Polish regions. The study compares the economic efficiency and profitability of replacing hard coal with more eco-friendly fuels, like non-forest biomass and biodegradable municipal waste. The hypothesis suggests that non-forest biomass is unprofitable when considering social and ecological criteria, while municipal waste is the most cost-effective fuel. Externalities were assessed using the "impact path" methodology from the European Commission's ExternE project, known for accurately estimating external costs and benefits.