THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COOPERATION IN REALIZING OF THE POTENTIAL OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE "GREEN" COURSE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RURAL AREAS

Abstract

In article is analyzed energy cooperatives as an organizational basis for the establishment of a "green" economy and the achievement of sustainable development in rural areas. The concepts of "green" economy, "green" energy cooperatives are presented. Ukraine's obligations in the energy sector as a candidate for membership of the European Union within the framework of the European Green Course are determined. Global world changes in electricity production for 2015-2024 are indicated, where the share of renewable energy sources increases every year, and the share of fossil fuels decreases. The necessity of creating energy cooperatives in rural areas is proved, and their economic, social and environmental advantages are given. Cooperatives are a sustainable form of economic organization, because they implement the principles of sustainability, in particular the principle of caring for society. Cooperatives are the most capable integration formations to realize the expectations of sustainable management. In addition, the article links such indicators as the percentage of the population that is unable to properly heat their homes with the number of energy cooperatives in European countries. Accordingly, the number of energy cooperatives and the number of people who can sufficiently heat their homes increases every year. Energy cooperatives provide energy democracy, which is an important element of social justice in the process of building a "green" economy and achieving sustainable development, including in rural areas. The article analyzes the foreign experience of the organizational component of the creation and functioning of energy cooperatives, examples of already established energy cooperatives in our country are given. The role of energy cooperatives in achieving the European Green Deal and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine is determined. The importance of creating energy cooperatives in the countryside by uniting representatives of local businesses, citizens and municipalities were noted. The increase in economic benefits for business as a result of the creation and participation in the energy cooperative, due to the increase in the added value of its products, has been proven.