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

Olatz Azurza-Zubizarreta, Izaro Basurko-PerezdeArenaza, Eñaut Zelarain, Estitxu Villamor, Ortzi Akizu-Gardoki, Unai Villena-Camarero, Alvaro Campos-Celador and Iñaki Barcena-Hinojal
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Olatz Azurza-Zubizarreta: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia, Spain
Izaro Basurko-PerezdeArenaza: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia, Spain
Eñaut Zelarain: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia, Spain
Estitxu Villamor: Department of Political and Administration Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006 Vitoria‐Gasteiz, Spain
Ortzi Akizu-Gardoki: Department of Political and Administration Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006 Vitoria‐Gasteiz, Spain
Unai Villena-Camarero: Department of Physics, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Spain
Alvaro Campos-Celador: Department of Graphic Design and Engineering Projects, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20600 Eibar, Spain
Iñaki Barcena-Hinojal: Department of Energy Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-29

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.

Keywords: municipality; energy transition; sustainable cities; transition roadmaps; renewable energies; policymaking; energy democracy; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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