Methodological solutions for assessing energy transformation assumptions in regions

Regional energy transformation is relatively underestimated in the context of international energy system changes. Today's energy system is focused on energy production in urban areas, leaving regions only with a consumption function. The potential of regions in the energy production business is not sufficiently exploited - with the abandonment of fossil fuels, energy consumption methods are changing - energy production and consumption can be carried out in different areas. Regional energy production can include wind, solar, geothermal energy, but a huge synergistic potential is seen in biomethane production. In addition, there is a visible problem of energy transformation - what solutions should be applied in the tactical period, until cost-effective large-scale technologies are developed. These aspects are difficult to assess due to the lack of methodological solutions. This article assesses the potential of the energy system in regions, including municipally managed enterprises and private initiatives. The article analyzes the least favorable municipalities, clustering them according to the possibilities of reforming the energy system in a tactical (up to 5 years) period. The novelty of the article is the emphasis on the importance of rural areas for energy transformation, creating convenient solutions for assessing the benefits of developing energy systems. The results of the article showed that in a tactical period, the transformation of the energy system is possible in those regions with an inefficient heat and cooling supply system, as well as unused land areas. The application of the directions proposed in the article allows solving the main gap in the energy transformation process - what actions would accelerate and enable energy transformation at the regional level. • Renewable energy creates conditions for the development of a decentralized energy system. • Rural areas are critically important for the development of renewable energy. • Municipal enterprises, by exploiting synergies, can significantly influence energy supply. • Regional segmentation is necessary for the efficient use of resources.