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Renewable energy sources, encompassing wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal options, are assuming an increasingly crucial role in the global energy landscape. They present a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts against climate change. The widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies has undergone rapid expansion on a global scale, propelled by governmental policies, technological advancements, and decreasing costs. Despite their numerous advantages, renewable energy sources encounter challenges such as intermittent energy supply, storage solutions, and integration into existing power grids. Nevertheless, with sustained investment and innovation, renewable energy sources have the potential to become the predominant energy source of the future. This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of research on renewable energy sources in Poland and Germany. The analysis is grounded in publications catalogued in the Web of Science database, spanning the years from 1990 to 2023. The investigation delves into research topics related to renewable energy sources and scrutinizes the most frequently cited publications authored by individuals from these two countries. This bibliometric analysis stands out through its unique value proposition compared to other similar studies by placing a distinctive emphasis on critical research gaps, such as energy storage, smart grid technologies, and renewable energy in transportation. Additionally, the study's focus on the specific trajectories of Poland and Germany in renewable energy adoption, coupled with the identification of key institutions with the highest centrality index, provides unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable energy research. The findings from this study can serve as a valuable source of information for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in promoting the advancement and utilization of renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper assumes that the measure of the loss of safety in water distribution is the risk related to the occurrence of some undesired events such as the failure to meet certain (required) water quality conditions (that may have negative impacts on the consumer health), or a severe disruption of the water supply services. In this aspect, risk is assessed using the expected value of losses (hazardous effects) that may occur as a result of the occurrence of the undesirable events. A comparison of the determined values with the risk acceptability criteria is the basis for the safety assessment. The analysis was made based on the available operational data of the water supply subsystem. The analysis covered the period from 2011 to the third quarter of 2021 and was prepared on the basis of available physicochemical and microbiological analyses of water performed at the water and microbiology laboratory of the considered water supply system in Poland’s Subcarpathian Province. A novel approach to risk analysis of the loss of safety in water supply system taking into account the occurrence of some undesired events was achieved. The estimated value of the risk level, under the given operating conditions, indicates that there is no real threat to water consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper first presents the results of polling on the subject of potable water in crisis situations, with respondents from south-eastern Poland's Subcarpathian region asked for their opinions on the level of nuisance associated with water supply interruptions and water quality, levels of consumption and water companies' quality of service. Among the respondents 53% regard the quality of the water they receive as satisfactory, while a quarter see it as only average. However, respondents are relatively satisfied with the corporate response when supplies are interrupted, as methods and means of notification are judged effective by 60%. Continuing with work to assess possibilities for water companies to improve their performance in crisis situations, the present study generates an Analytical Hierarchy Process allowing recipients to determine importance criteria where quality of service is concerned. This could facilitate management by water companies, providing for centralised control and comparison that help secure services of appropriate quality. The process can also help protect different groups of recipients, as safety is evaluated through analysis of functioning, and of failures and losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of appropriate methods by which to assess the functioning of gas pipelines helps limits the consequences of disasters, in that way protecting users better. Assessment methods of this kind are presented in this paper, which advocates the integrated risk area identification method. The risk taken account of is understood to be a function of the probability or frequency of occurrence of undesirable events, and comes with parameters defining the consequences of these events, should they arise, in terms of their magnitude. The level of system vulnerability to events of these types is a factor considered, and the risk calculation is of a kind that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The approach taken is regarded as a quick and simple risk-assessment tool applicable to the daily operation of gas networks for a gas company. Specifically, the framework of the research carried out extends to: (1) Estimation of the average cost of failure of gas pipelines in the case of an urban agglomeration in SE Poland; (2) assessment of the level of integrated risk facing the gas-supply subsystem, by reference to the risk area identification method; (3) failure forecasting by way of regressions with delay; and (4) conclusions regarding failure risk assessment in a gas-supply network, as well as a consideration of prospects. The framework referred here, thus constitutes the basis for both analysis and assessment of the safety of a gas-supply system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]