Local energy planning in France, a way to reinforce energy transition

Panel: 3. Local action

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Author:
Eric Vidalenc, Ademe Hauts de France, France

Abstract

Decentralization is a process initiated in France for several years. Recent laws (MAPTAM, NOTRe) have confirmed this dynamic by strengthening the responsibilities of local authorities, and Energy Transition for Green Growth (TECV) law particularly in the energy field. Liberalization of energy markets forced local authorities to position themselves in the market offers for their own needs and thereby appropriating more specifically energy issues. Lastly, local strategies implemented with shared governance are essential to make the ownership of the energy transition by citizens and stakeholders.

In this context, the Regional Directorate of ADEME launched the Local Energy Planning (LEP), a process to support local authorities, as a means to define local energy strategy. Beyond supporting territories in the Energy Transition and the Third Industrial Revolution in Hauts-de-France, goal of LEP is to enable local authorities, including elected officials, to gain skills with their responsibilities, define their energy strategy of medium/long term as well as actions to implement in the short term. A major issue of ESP is to ensure independence of this energy strategy in the public interest.

First, energy consumption, production and networks are analysed and mapped. Energy demand and potentials of local renewable energy are projected at medium and long term to define targets. Development needs, strengthening coexistence and energy networks are specified in these studies. Finally, a roadmap defines the means (technical, financial, economic) to achieve these goals with all stakeholders of the territory.

The paper present how a local approach of energy issues can be a way to accelerate Energy Transition based on some lessons learned from local energy strategies to reach ambitious goals in 2050 (100% renewable…) in the Energy Transition context in France. Finally, coordination challenges of a double movement both upward (local authorities) and down (State) are explored.