INFLUENCE OF REGIONAL FEATURES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN UKRAINE

Trends in the development of the energy sector determine the dynamics of pricing policy in the energy market, the level of socio-economic stability and investment attractiveness of both the country as a whole and its individual regions. The study is devoted to the study of regional features of the potential of alternative energy in Ukraine and their impact on economic development. The methodological basis of the article is formed by a number of general theoretical principles, techniques and interdisciplinary methods of scientific research. The article considers the main regional aspects of the impact of the development of renewable energy sources on the socio-economic state of communities: decentralization of energy supply and growth of energy independence, creation of new jobs in the regions and stimulation of local business development, attraction of investments, improvement of environmental safety indicators and decarbonization. Potential challenges for regional economic development caused by the destruction of energy infrastructure during a full-scale war are noted, as well as other problematic aspects, including the need to modernize and expand electricity networks, large losses in electricity networks, problems with resource supply that may limit the development of certain types of alternative energy (for example, bioenergy). The study substantiates the need for the transfer of new technologies and the promotion of "green" initiatives within regional economic development strategies. The main regional advantages and limitations of energy production from various types of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro- and bioenergy, tidal, geothermal energy) are highlighted. Optimization measures are proposed, including diversification of supplies, modernization of the energy system, and updating of legislation. It has been proven that stimulating the regional development of alternative energy in Ukraine will accelerate the overall economic growth of the state, promote investment, stimulate further regional decentralization of energy supply and the introduction of climate-neutral energy capacities.