Small Energy Efficient Systems: The Key to Energy Security of the EU

Purpose: The development of high computing power in a compact form factor in conjunction with alternative energy sources allows you to build “smart” energy networks even within a separate household, increasing energy efficiency and energy security. However, distributed energy is faced criticism for widespread implementation, as well as with other factors that do not allow accelerating the development of technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to select and analyze the most effective tools for the functioning of distributed energy systems using the example of EU countries. Design/Methodology/Approach: The historical aspects of the development of small energy systems, the legislative definition and the range of possibilities of these systems, as well as the scientific and technological research units carried out using distributed energy systems, are considered in this research. Findings: The article actualizes the importance of alternative energy sources as one of the promising directions for the development of the energy system of EU countries. Practical Implications: Alternative energy is a key component of small energy technologies, due to environmental friendliness, adaptability and the ability to install almost any dimension of energy-generating equipment. Also, this energy source is inexhaustible, which means it reduces the energy dependence of countries on the extraction and/or import of raw materials for energy production and increases the energy security of the energy network. Originality/Value: It is worth noting that distributed energy has great potential for distribution and development in the long term, which is necessary to study all the positive and negative aspects of small energy systems in order to minimize the negative factors of small energy and strengthen the individual will opt for distributed energy and then disseminate successful experience everywhere.