**4. Discussion**

The political environment of RE science and research can be classified as relatively neutral (3.29 points) in the Pomerania Voivodeship. The main opportunity for the development of RE is represented, above all, by Poland's participation in the structures of the EU and active participation in the European Research Area. The main threats to the sphere of science and research in RE include extensive and complicated laws and low effectiveness in the practical implementation of the assumptions of the innovation policy.

The economic environment can be considered relatively conducive to the development of RE (3.56 points). One opportunity for development is, first of all, membership in the EU, which allows for financing research and investments in RE. Additionally, another opportunity is the relative stability of the economic situation in the Pomerania Voivodeship, as well as the innovativeness and activity of investors. Risks include high investment costs and fluctuating green certificate prices.

The social factor can be classified as positive to the RE sphere (3.50 points). The main opportunity is, above all, membership in the EU and the use of integration processes to educate society. Transnational partnership and investments in human capital are being developed. The main threats include the maintenance of the low reputation of science in society, the aging of society, and the demographic decline.

The technological factor can be considered neutral (3.43 points). The main opportunity for development is primarily the high efficiency of RE installations, as well as the transfer of technologies and techniques. The greatest threats are the poor condition of the power grid in Poland, little cooperation between science and the economy, and too few domestic producers of RE installations.

In summary, the PEST analysis shows that there are opportunities for the further development of RE in the Pomerania Voivodeship. Friendly legal regulations, greater financial subsidies, public education, and the development of domestic producers of RE installations may contribute to a significant reduction in GHG emissions and the greater energy independence of Poland.

The idea of the balanced development of the Pomerania Voivodeship is based on the rational production of energy from natural resources and renewable sources. Equilibrium (eco-development) has made it possible to meet the economic, social, and environmental needs of the next generation without compromising on the ability to meet the needs of future generations. The Pomerania region already ranks third in Poland in terms of the generation of electricity from renewable sources. In quantified terms, the use of RE in the Pomerania Voivodeship appears satisfactory, although the production of "green energy" still shows room for development [99]. Bioenergy, PV, and aeroenergy are characterized by the greatest potential regarding RE in the Pomerania Voivodeship. The potential of wind energy is significant in the case of the "Distance Act" agreement. The construction and operation of offshore wind farms will be a grea<sup>t</sup> opportunity for the economic development of the Pomerania Voivodeship. Then, the Voivodeship will become the main exporter of energy in Poland.

The Pomerania Voivodeship can become energy-independent in the future. The potential of RE electricity is greater than needed, and it is necessary to increase the amount of biomass for heating needs, and to install more solar collectors and heat pumps, as well improving the energy efficiency. RE may become an important factor for the economic development of the Pomerania Voivodeship. Today, there is a grea<sup>t</sup> demand in Poland for heat pumps and solar panels. Their production and assembly should be carried out by Polish companies. The development of RE in the Voivodeship is also an opportunity for cheaper electricity and heat. Each new RE installation/power plant brings huge financial benefits for the Voivodeship. Various types of taxes are transferred to the Voivodeship's coffers. A new RE plant means new jobs, resulting in a decline in unemployment in the voivodship.

Table 6 shows the amount of energy that can be obtained from RE in the Pomerania region. The energy mix should consist of bioenergy, aeroenergy, and PV. It should be emphasized that the energy mix will allow the energy self-sufficiency of the Pomerania region. When investing in RE, one should also consider strategies to increase energy efficiency.


**Table 6.** Annual potential electricity and heat from renewable sources in the Pomerania Voivodeship (author's own study).

In the Pomerania region, in 2018, 35 PJ of heat and 7.5 TWh of electricity were consumed. According to the authors' calculations, the obtainable amount of energy from RE would be 8.37 TWh, in which the total amount of heat 18.56 PJ (Table 6). The calculated amount of electricity would cover the entirely of the Voivodeship's electricity needs, and 53% of its heat requirement [100]. Heat consumption should be reduced through thermal modernization measures. After thermal modernization, a building can consume up to 60–70% less energy than before modernization. Thus, passive, zero-energy, or even plus-energy buildings are becoming increasingly popular.
