Local and regional governments are pivotal in spearheading climate action and social innovation within the energy sector. Despite their critical role, they face significant challenges such as inadequate financing, insufficient human resources, and a lack of skills, which hamper the implementation of essential climate and energy policies across the EU. When dealing with such challenges, ensuring that the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy are distributed equitably becomes especially important. Innovative schemes like energy communities show promise in achieving this goal, but require substantial support, particularly from municipalities, to evolve into truly socially-driven energy system models.

Local governments have a multifaceted role in nurturing energy communities and developing socially inclusive renewable energy schemes. Their leadership in creating conducive environments, and their strong networks and expertise make their involvement indispensable. Accounting for this, the Sun4All project has outlined a series of recommendations for local and regional authorities, covering funding, policy, technical assistance, and governance.

This analysis holds high relevance for ICLEI Europe Members, given their commitment to sustainability and climate action. It provides a comprehensive framework for ICLEI Europe member cities to enhance their climate action and social innovation within the energy sector, covering the following areas of action:

Funding:

• Allocate dedicated funding to renewable energy projects with clear social missions and ensure simplified application procedures. Tap into national and European funds available for this purpose.

Policy:

• Adopt long-term objectives for local, inclusive community-owned renewable energy production systems within their territories.
• Adapt internal requirements such as those for urban planning and procurement to promote renewable energy projects. This includes introducing conditions related to citizen participation, local ownership, and social criteria.
• Design community energy programs for social housing and social dwellings.

Technical assistance:

• Establish local one-stop shops for energy-related issues, including energy communities, and offer specific training related to energy poverty and inclusiveness. Utilise technical assistance and capacity-building opportunities available at the EU level.

Governance:

• Leverage existing inter-municipal cooperation structures to involve smaller municipalities in renewable energy schemes.
• Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, especially between energy and social services.
• Establish participatory policy processes at the local level to increase citizen participation in the energy transition beyond the structures of energy communities.

These recommendations offer a path for ICLEI Europe Member cities and others to overcome existing challenges, ensure equitable benefits from renewable energy, and lead the way towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.

For more insights, consult the detailed Policy brief drafted by the Jacques Delors Institute and reviewed by ICLEI Europe for Sun4All.