Possibilities of fulfilment the Kyoto targets with increased share of dispersed generation in the energy system

Slovenia is 10-times poorer with conventional energy sources than other countries of the world. Only exploitation of coal in the regions of Velenje and Zasavje is economically justifiable. Unfortunately, coal in these two regions is environmentally problematic, and reserves are sufficient only for about 40 years of exploitation. Reserves of uranium are bigger, but their exploitation is environmentally questionable and economically not viable. Slovenia has, because of its pre-Alpine geographical location, rather high amount of annual precipitation, which gives possibilities for exploitation of hydropower potential, solar energy and biomass. EU countries have ratified the Kyoto protocol, in which they took over obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for 8 % in the commitment period 2008-2012. In order to fulfil the Kyoto targets it will be necessary to restructure the sectors of energy supply, industry and transport. The costs of emission reduction should not exceed the purpose of investment into cleaner environment and exploitation of additional energy. The most important options for fulfilment of these commitments are exploitation of renewables and simultaneous production of heat and electricity (CHP). Nevertheless, before construction of power plants for electricity production from renewables or CHP plants, it is necessary to investigate their economic justifiability and impact on the environment. In this process it is necessary not to forget the process of electricity market opening, which reached the Western Europe at the end of last millennium, and is now irrepressibly spreading towards the east and is increasingly becoming (cruel!) reality in our country.