Population Density as a Factor for Distributed Energy Generation Development, Renewables Consumption and CO2 Emissions: Evidence from Poland and Argentina
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to identify and analyse the relationship between distributed renewable energy generation systems and population density which is related to spatial urbanization patterns that affect CO2 emissions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors analysed, using the example of two countries with similar population sizes but very different land use and urbanization patterns, as well as relatively ineffective spatial planning systems (Poland and Argentina) – whether there are the correlations between the indicators of: population density, renewable electricity production, renewable energy consumption, CO2 emissions from transport, and CO2 emissions from electricity consumption. Findings: The results of this research underscore the multi-faceted impact of urbanization on energy and environmental indicators and highlight diverse relation-ships between population density and the consumption and production of renewable energy, as well as CO2 emissions in Poland and Argentina. In Poland there is an inverse relationship between population density and the consumption and production of renewable energy, while in Argentina there is a mixed relationship. Practical Implications: In the concluding part of the article, the authors formulate recommendations pointing primarily to the need to in-crease the effectiveness of integrated resource planning and land use management, especially within suburban zones, taking into account energy demand and consumption in transport and other municipal services. Originality/Value: The originality of the article results from the use of quantitative methods and macro-level indicators to examine the relationship between the development of distributed energy systems and their impact on population density.