LOCAL ENERGY TRANSITION STRATEGIES GOING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The energy sector is responsible for more than 75% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Europe. To reduce these emissions, European and national initiatives are not sufficient. Regional and local action is necessary, through the engagement of territories and citizens. However, several technical, organisational, legal and financial obstacles have impeded the development of territorial initiatives. Moreover, there is a general lack of information and tools to support these projects.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the LETsGO4Climate project is to accelerate the production of renewable energy and behavioural changes related to energy consumption, by addressing the above-mentioned obstacles and lack of knowledge. To this end, a methodology developed by the Centre-Val de Loire region (“citizen appropriation of the energy transition”) will be implemented in 18 territories within a common regional governance scheme, aiming to fulfil 5 specific objectives:

• Decentralising the governance of energy issues at regional/local level and developing synergies between the various energy actors, including citizens;
• Building the capacity of local authorities and territorial leaders, ensuring the coordination of energy transition initiatives, through training and participation in concrete field activities;
• Increasing the production of electricity and heat from renewable sources (wind power, solar energy, geothermal power and biomass) in the territories involved. Renewable energy projects to become more attractive and accessible through implementation of the “citizen appropriation of the energy transition” process and the development of methodological tools and financial/legal support;
• Reducing collective and individual energy consumption, through awareness raising activities of citizens focused on “energy sobriety” and climate commitment; and
• Developing and promoting decision-making tools for local authorities and economic stakeholders.

The project will contribute towards meeting the EU’s climate and energy transition goals defined in the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640) and the 2030 climate target plan (COM/2020/562), as well as implementation of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II, 2018/2001/EU).

RESULTS

Expected results:

• 1 800 citizens involved in a collective process for energy transition;
• 720 individuals (elected representatives, directors and officers of local authorities, and people from NGOs) trained on energy transition topics;
• About 5,200 citizens trained on energy efficiency/”energy sobriety” and 1,800 households changing their behaviour related to energy consumption;
• Creation of at least 30 energy communities;
• Increase in renewable energy production of over 540 GWh, through the installation of 54 small renewable electricity facilities (photovoltaic, about 90 kWc) and 18 large facilities (6 wind farms and 12 solar parks of about 10 MW), as well as 12 methanisation and 12 biomass facilities (boiler rooms);
• Reduction of energy consumption by 1.6%; and
• Reduction of GHG emissions related to energy of 1.8% and an overall reduction of 1.6%.