ENERGY CLUSTERS IN LIGHT OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE ACT ON RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (RES)

The aim of the article is to present the idea of energy clusters and legislative changes concerning the creation of energy clusters. An attempt was made to theoretically analyze the concept of energy clusters in light of the amendment to the Act on renewable energy sources (RES). The method of literature review was applied and the most important items concerning the functioning of energy clusters were referred to. Provisions of subsequent RES laws regarding energy clusters were presented, starting from the Act of February 20, 2015, in which the definition of an energy cluster appeared for the first time, and ending with the latest amendment to the Act of February 24, 2022. It was found that the progressing globalization encourages austerity measures, especially in the energy sector, which contributes to the development of the economy. The way to meet the requirements of the European Union regarding increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix and limiting the consumption of conventional resources may be achived by distributed energy based on the activities of prosumers, which is undoubtedly manifested by energy clusters.