ABSTRACT
The basic problem our civilization now faces is ensuring supplies of energy (Udo et al. 2009). Faced with threats of exhausting fossil energy sources and increasing environmental degradation associated with the production of useful forms of energy, it is necessary to focus on the principles of sustainable development in energy policy. It means paying attention to the wider use of renewable energy sources combined with minimizing their negative impact on the environment. What is more, the technologies associated with the introduction and use of renewable energy sources contribute to an increase in employment levels. In 2010, the renewable energy sector in the 27 countries of the European Union generated jobs for 1.114 million people, which is 25 percent more than in 2009 (0.912 million people). Table 1 shows employment in the various branches of the renewable energy sector in 2010 (Euroobserver 2010). Taking into consideration that unemployment affects people as negatively as life in a degraded environment, combating unemployment by creating new jobs in the renewable energy sector is a very important and positive factor of pursuing sustainable development, especially from a social point of view. In 2010, 16.7% of the world energy consumption came from renewable sources, while in the 27 countries of the European Union this share was lower, amounting to 12.4% (see Table 2). The structure of energy generation was as follows: biomass68.2%, hydroenergy-18%, wind energy-7.4%, geothermal energy-4.4%, solar energy-2%, and 0.03% from ocean tides.
