ENERGY ENTERPRISES AND THE CREATION OF ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF RURAL AREAS

The article aims to determine the roles of new enterprises operating in the renewable energy sector in creating the economic potential of rural areas in light of the socio-economic benefits resulting from their operation. The research was conducted on a regional scale and a detailed scale. The regional-level research included the Lubelskie Voivodeship (NUTS 2) marked by high potential, in national terms, for the production of energy from RES, and biomass in particular. The detailed research was conducted using the case study method. The entities chosen for detailed research are: wind farm, photovoltaic farm, agricultural biogas plant. The concluded research proves that the establishment and operation of RES-based energy enterprises generates economic potential of rural areas. Analyses performed on a regional scale confirm that wider use of the energy potential of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, especially based on agriculture, will help drive the activity of local communities and form the basis for creating new jobs. The study on energy enterprises helps distinguish conventional socio-economic benefits arising from the development of renewable energy in rural areas, including new jobs and cooperation with local companies, as well as other effects, e.g. the provision of local services or educational and promotional activities.