Urban Energy Transitions in Europe, towards Low-Socio-Environmental Impact Cities

Olatz Azurza-Zubizarreta,Alvaro Campos-Celador,Izaro Basurko-Perezdearenaza,Iñaki Barcena-Hinojal,Estitxu Villamor,Eñaut Zelarain,Unai Villena-Camarero,Ortzi Akizu-Gardoki

doi:10.3390/su132111641

Olatz Azurza-Zubizarreta, Alvaro Campos-Celador + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111641

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Oct 21, 2021
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of the Basque Country

Abstract

Achieving the ambitious targets set by Europe in its 2050 roadmap, moving away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources, while reducing carbon emissions, will require a radical change in Europe’s energy system. Much of the action that will enable this energy transition to be realised in a democratic way is at the local level. It is at this level that many of the decisions regarding the energy transition desired by European citizens will have to be taken. The methodology used in this study is based on data collection, literature review, data validation and analysis. A part of this analysis will also be taken by the mPower project as a diagnostic baseline. The first finding of this research work is that energy transition data availability at the local level is quite low. Second, the local authorities are experiencing difficulties in decarbonising their energy consumption. Finally, the factor with highest positive relationships with other energy transition variables is the number of people employed in the field of energy transition. The results suggest that in order to lead a participatory energy transition, the workforce specifically dedicated to energy transition is a key factor, clearly differentiating it from staff working on the general energy field.

Highlights

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows the necessity to reduce the excessive use of fossil fuels if the rise in global temperature is to be stopped at less than 2 degrees Celsius [1]
A drastic change is needed in the energy system, and this is a reality well accepted by European citizens, policy makers and scientists, so much so that the EU has established the goal of achieving climate neutrality after adopting the 2050 strategy [4], and among its main objectives is the transition to a climate-neutral society in the coming decades
The aim of this section is to show, on the one hand, the difficulties that have arisen throughout the data collection process, as well as to highlight the most interesting relationships found between the variables chosen, giving the scientific community an insight into possible ways forward for future research on energy transitions focusing on local authorities, as well as providing relevant tools and information to technicians and politicians of local authorities responsible for energy transitions, mainly in Europe

Summary

Introduction

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows the necessity to reduce the excessive use of fossil fuels if the rise in global temperature is to be stopped at less than 2 degrees Celsius [1]. A drastic change is needed in the energy system, and this is a reality well accepted by European citizens, policy makers and scientists, so much so that the EU has established the goal of achieving climate neutrality after adopting the 2050 strategy [4], and among its main objectives is the transition to a climate-neutral society in the coming decades. There are voices suggesting that the coming transition will not be a mere techno-transition into renewable energy systems [5], but will require a change in our approach to citizen participation, economic models and social habits [6]. (Preferred) Please click here I will consider all renewable installations in my municipality (whether public or private). Renewable thermal energy production: MWh/year; Installed renewable electric power: MW; Renewable electric energy production: MWh/year; Source of data: Municipal/Other.

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