An initiative to develop large-scale solutions for affordable and reliable energy systems in Austria while focusing on bottom-up approaches where regions develop their own ways of enhancing renewable energies.
Title
Brief description
An initiative to develop large-scale solutions for affordable and reliable energy systems in Austria while focusing on bottom-up approaches where regions develop their own ways of enhancing renewable energies.
Keywords
City/Country
Time period
2019- ongoing
Lever(s)
Policy, regulation & governance
Culture, civi participatiom & social innovation
Methodologies
World Region
Scale(s) of the case analysed
Target audience and dimension
Domain(s) of application
Context addressed
Solution applied
Challenge addressed/ Problem-led approach
Barriers addressed
Main Practices
Impact
Co benefits
Engagement Journey
Impact to climate neutrality
For regions to become independent of fossil fuels.
Photovoltaic systems
Wood heating systems
Solar thermal energy
Electric vehicles
Refurbishment of buildings
Context & Public policy of reference
Innovative approach(es) addressed
Climate and Energy Fund supports regions to become independent of fossil fuels. The region uses its own sources to meet energy demands, and energy efficiency and smart controls. This program has created 99 climate and energy model regions with 899 communities. Energy supply from 100% renewable energy.
Model regions:
Green Energy Lab: renewable energy sources in electricity and heat
WIVA P&G- Hydrogen Initiative Model region Austria Power& Gas: production and storage of hydrogen-based energy supply
NEFI- New Energy for Industry: decarbonisation of industrial energy system
Initiator
Program supported by the Climate and Energy Fund.
Stakeholder networks and organisational model
Stakeholders:
Stakeholder | Role |
Model region manager | Lead of specific project |
Residents | be inforrmed of CEM's activities |
Climate and Energy Fund | Funding for projects, support (from Austrian ministries |
Municipalities | Partially finance CEM’s activities. Appoint one representative and deputy representative to be responsible for its energy and climate mitigation measures. |
Universities and scientific institutions | Research activities |
Energy groups | be inforrmed of CEM's activities |
Energy providers | Implement projects with the CEM |
Network, communication and governance:
1. Quality management system- on-site assistance and feedback from an audit. Based on a methodology developed by e5, European Energy Award.
2. Eg. Freistadt regions: Energy groups- stakeholders (residents) interact with the public and implement site-specific projects with the support of the CEM management on a communal level.
3. Eg. Freistadt regions Regional banks provide coupons for firm-independent energy consulting (residents and businesses)
4. Networking and training: at least twice a year, the model region managers meet for a two-day event.
5. After two years, regions can continue their project for three years.
a. Implementation concept- Predefined requirements while involving key stakeholders
b. Model region manager receives funding and information for 2 years. Implementation of the project lead by the manager.
c. Investment grant for project supported by the Climate and Energy Fund.
Media campaigns
Climate schools- promoting awareness of climate and energy related issues. Students jointly develop energy saving measures.
Public information events- energy festivals to raise awareness for renewable energy
Exhibitions and excursions- for the interested public and local communities.
Democratic Purpose
Participant Recruitment
nteraction between participants
Resources
Key enablers
1. Integration of the region- cooperation with stakeholders and local economy and policymakers. Co-financed by local communities.
2. Inhabitants have an opportunity to participate financially and in crowd financing
Key inhibiting factors
Drawbacks/pros/cons of the solutions (after implementation)
1. Most of the citizen participation is focused on information and awareness building (Arnstein’s Ladder).
Scalability
Key lessons
Indicators
External link
Climate and Energy Model Regions an Austrian blueprint for a successful bottom-up approach in the field of climate change and energy. Klima- und Energie- Modellregionen & Klima Energie Fonds. Retrieved from https://www.klimaundenergiemodellregionen.at/assets/Uploads/Publikationen/2018-Fact-Sheet-Climate-and-Energy-Model-Regions-EN-final.pdf
Energy Model Region. Innovative Energy Technologies from Austria in Practical Testing. OEAW. Retrieved from https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en/ita/projects/energy-model-region
Liebel, G. (n.d.). Climate and Energy Model Regions. Ministerium fur Ein Lebenswertes Österreich. Retrieved from https://seors.unfccc.int/applications/seors/attachments/get_attachment?code=C3AK5BRVJFUDB8YMTLY1JPQWWV85W1BT
Alpenkonvention. (2016). Progress report. Recent developments supporting the vision “Renewable Alps”. 2015-2016. Retrieved from https://www.alpconv.org/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/downloads_en/2_organisation_en/organisation_alpineconference_en/VisionRenewableAlps.pdf
IEA. Climate and Energy Model Regions. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/policies/12076-climate-and-energy-model-regions
Riegler, M., Vogler, C., Neumueller, S., & Komendantova, N. (2017). Engaging inhabitants into energy in climate and energy model (CEM) regions: Case studies of Freistadt, Ebreichsdorf and Baden. International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. doi:10.3929/ethz-b-000125801
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