In a dynamically changing socio-economic environment with significant technical and technological progress, the notion of energy security takes on a new, broader meaning. Modern literature presents a variety of operational definitions of energy security. Most authors dealing with the issue of energy security expose its different aspects while standing in opposition to competing concepts. As a result, literature that addresses the problems of energy policy is becoming a platform for debates on the essence of energy security and the applicability of its various approaches to individual situations. There is no unanimity among authors with regard to the theoretical framework or the components of this notion. However, the issue of diversity of views is quite typical in social sciences and should not be taken negatively. Despite this, and perhaps contrary to the definitional wealth, experts in the field of energy policy constantly stress the necessity and urgency of undertaking work on the conceptualization of energy security. The aim of the article is a comprehensive review of the concept of energy security in the context of new trends in the development of the energy sector based on a narrative review of scientific literature. The main differences in the perception of energy security have been identified, and it has been pointed out that the “supply concept” of energy security is giving way to an approach in which energy is a factor initiating deep transformations of social systems by changing consumption patterns, reducing energy consumption, and forcing changes in economic systems by imposing energy efficiency standards and environmental standards.

Difficult terrain is characterized by deteriorated conditions for plant adaptation, e.g., owing to poor substrate, substantial land slope, or intensive insolation. In terms of plant adaptation, difficult terrain includes newly created ski slopes, any kind of embankment, scarps, levees, and etc. Application of grasses is an effective and economic method of stabilization of the ground. However, sowing of grass-legume mixtures to sod these areas does not typically produce adequate effects. Application of a new generation of protective fabrics with the addition of bird feathers may be a remedy to these problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of biodegradable fabrics for covering difficult areas to improve the habitat conditions for plants. To evaluate this issue, an area characterized by difficult conditions for plant development was selected. Five types of protective fabrics were applied. The main factor influencing the efficiency of the sodding of difficult terrain was the application of fabrics that were capable of absorbing water, which were then given to plants over a longer period of time. Vegetation grew easiest through the geotextile made of sheep wool with the addition of bird feathers. Fabrics manufactured from problematic waste materials contribute to an ecological effect as well as an economic effect resulting from lower costs of waste management as well as the income from selling the innovative product.

Measures taken by the public administration to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to drastic consequences for the economy. The full identification of its effects is hindered due to the delay in publishing the results of public statistics. The use of financial reports prepared by self-government authorities of all municipalities in Poland made it possible to obtain preemptive information in relation to the public statistics regarding the impact of COVID-19-related limitations on the energy expenditures incurred by local government units (LGUs), as well as an assessment of to what extent the LGUs had rationalized the energy consumption. By contrast, data from reports of energy companies made it possible to determine the impact of restrictions arising from the pandemic on the amount of energy sold and revenues from sales made by these companies. The analyses use indexes of the dynamics of changes in energy prices as well as indexes of the dynamics of changes in energy expenditures incurred by LGUs. Additionally, distributions of these indexes for the populations of municipalities are analyzed. To assess the effect of economic activity on energy expenditures incurred by LGUs, classification trees are utilized. It is established that the total production and sales of energy in Poland, in volume, in each quarter of 2020 were lower than in the corresponding period of the preceding year. However, as a result of an increase in energy prices by approximately 25%, the sales of electric power generating companies, in amounts, were higher in 2020 than in 2019. The increase in energy prices was also a cause of slightly increased total expenditures for purchasing energy in LGUs in Poland, which increased by 2.15% in 2020 compared to 2019. However, a substantial diversity in expenditure indexes was observed. That concerned both total expenditures and expenditures within individual sections of the budgets of municipalities.

A common method of silage production in Europe is based on the use of cylindrical bales wrapped with polyethylene films. In this study, several modifications of composition of these films were tested for their impact on the microorganisms involved in the ensiling process. Different additives, including nanosilver particles and microcellulose, were analyzed upon the first stage of the experiment. In the second stage, the usability of recycled polyethylene as a film component was assessed. The forage value after ensiling was determined during storage, based on analyses of the content of crude fiber, nitrate nitrogen, total protein, sugars, acids (lactic, acetic, butyric and propionic), pH and dry matter. Microbial forage quality was evaluated by analyses of growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) compared to the number of undesirable aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds. Film properties were also characterized. No statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were shown for the tested film formulae as compared to standard commercial films. In the second experimental stage, an elevated pH and a slightly higher content of acids were observed for the tested films than for the control sample. In addition, for standard PE film supplemented with nanosilver, a higher number of LAB was detected on the inner surface of the film and in the ensiled material.

This study applies the concept of the circular economy by using poultry feather waste to produce biodegradable geotextiles for environmental applications. The main goal was to assess their biodegradability, effect on soil properties, and usefulness in supporting plant growth. Three types of feather-based nonwoven fabrics were manufactured using a needle-punching method and tested under laboratory and field conditions over a 23-month period. Laboratory tests confirmed high biodegradability: Nonwoven I and III lost over 91% of their mass within 24 weeks. In field trials, plots covered with biodegradable geotextiles showed up to 266% more seedlings compared to bare soil, and plant height increased by 90% on average. The materials also improved soil moisture retention and supported microbial activity. After use, the nonwovens did not require removal and decomposed naturally, enriching the soil. The results demonstrate that feather-based geotextiles are a sustainable, effective, and locally available solution for soil protection and vegetation in difficult terrain.

This study aimed at assessing the effect of how submontane soils are managed on the quantity and quality of leachate water, as well as on the load of nutrients leached with it. The quality of leachate water moving through the soil profile at the depth of 0–30 cm was investigated. The quality of leachate water from six research variants was analyzed in three periods: intensive growing, inhibited growing, and the non-growing season. It was established that the type of flora had a significant effect on the amount and chemical composition of water flowing through the soil profile. The highest loads of minerals were leached with leachate waters from arable land. Contrary to the common opinion, unused meadow had the best quality of leachate waters. On account of the quality of leachate waters in submontane and montane areas, it is recommended to reduce plow tillage in these areas. It is also recommended to use these areas as meadows and pastures, with moderate fertilization and rational use, i.e., two mowings or three grazings during the growing season. The study emphasizes how important the management of the use of submontane and montane areas is for the quality and quantity of leachate waters.