Governance in the energy transition towards a low-carbon society in metropolitan areas Coordination Meritxell Martell (Merience) Authors Gil Lladó and Ana Romero (Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona) Pauline Gabillet and Luce Ponsar (Lyon Métropole) Nelson Fernández and Andrea de Nigris (Intendencia de Montevideo) Meritxell Martell (Merience) Edition Barcelona Metropolitan Area Design and layout Daniel Macià · Imatge & Comunicació Barcelona, June 2019 The views expressed herein are those of the authors alone, and the AMB and Metropolis cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained in this document. Metropolis, World Association of Major Metropolises, is the leading international organisation created in 1985 that gathers cities and metropolitan regions with more than a million inhabitants. Metropolis brings together the governments of 138 urban agglomerations worldwide. The association is the focal point of expertise on metropolitan governance. Raising the voices of metropolises to the global agenda and building capacity to deliver public policies and services, Metropolis contributes to finding common answers to the challenges of metropolisation. Table of contents The MEGA initiative 4 The energy transition 5 Fundamental role of cities in the energy transition 6 Partners in MEGA 7 Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), SPAIN 8 Lyon Métropole, FRANCE 12 Montevideo, URUGUAY 16 Different governance approaches in MEGA partners 20 Lessons learned 22 4 The MEGA initiative 4 The MEGA initiative M EGA is an initiative of Barcelona Metropolitan • All metropolitan areas have already taken the decision Area in cooperation with Lyon Métropole to adopt ambitious renewable energy targets by 2030 and Intendencia de Montevideo and partly funded by and to promote energy efficiency as part of their pol- Metropolis through its pilot projects program. The aim icies towards a low carbon economy. However, it is of MEGA is to exchange knowledge on how metro- not an easy path. A reflection needs to be made on to politan areas address governance in the energy what extent ambitions can also be realistic and prac- transition process towards a low-carbon society. ticable, as some objectives might not be applicable The project was launched in June 2017 and finished in for different regions which show different character- July 2019. istics at local level (e.g. density of urban areas, wind potential, etc). Three workshops were conducted in each of the part- • Although the different metropolitan areas vary in size, ner cities to present the plans and strategies, challeng- population density, level of development, climate, de- es and actions faced by metropolitan areas to address ployment of renewables, level of resources, etc, each the energy transition. metropolitan area focused on a specific aspect to pave the way to a sustainable energy system. Grand Lyon works in partnerships with industry and busi- Lyon workshop: nesses to engage them in energy matters and AMB 23-24 Nov. 2017 focuses its work on the municipalities of the metropol- itan area to advance the deployment of renewables and foster energy efficiency. Instead, Montevideo has Montevideo workshop: the advantage of being in a country where renewa- 15-16 May 2018 bles provide more than 95% of the country’s elec- tricity. Therefore, the Intendencia of Montevideo has focused on the transport sector, encouraging the use Barcelona workshop: of electric vehicles and bike system in the city. 28 Feb. - 1 March 2019 • The cross-cutting and transversal nature of energy and its importance on a regional scale requires an integrated approach and working closely with other departments at metropolitan level, such as economy, Each workshop was organised around presentations urban planning, housing, industrial development, from experts in relevant organisations and institutions transport and mobility and resource management, addressing different aspects of the energy transition among others. – energy efficiency, increase of renewable sources, governance aspects – as well as field trips to learn • The engagement of civil society in designing and how each city faces the energy transition across its implementing a new energy model is a crucial aspect urban area. This publication summarises the results in the process of transition towards a low carbon of the exchanges and visits from late 2017 to mid economy. 2019 among the project partners. The exchanges and discussions throughout the course of this project have resulted in the following main findings regarding governance of the energy transition process: 5 The energy transition 5 The energy transition T he transition to a sustainable Goal 7 A sustainable energy transition con-and secure energy supply is sistent with the collective global goal one of the grand global challenges for Affordable and clean energy: of the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit society this century. The low carbon “ensure access to affordable, the temperature rise to well below 2ºC transition is long-term and encompass- reliable, sustainable and above pre-industrial levels requires a es many different aspects, becoming modern energy for all” major reduction in global greenhouse a multi-faceted process which will de- gas emissions. It also implies profound pend on each country’s circumstances, changes throughout the energy system including energy potential, policy and Goal 9 – from production, distribution and technology priorities. The transition is consumption – directly impacting on intertwined with the need to address Industry, innovation and infrastructure, the market and society broader challenges, such as those in- infrastructure: “Build resilient at large. Changes are required at the spired by the Sustainable Development infrastructure, promote level of technology, urban planning, Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 by inclusive and sustainable transportation, consumption patterns, the United Nations General Assembly, industrialisation, and foster built environment, investments, etc. which set a broad global perspective innovation” Close cooperation across all levels of for a sustainable, fair and inclusive government and civil society is crucial future. Examples of SDGs that relate to to implement a sustainable energy tran- the energy transition include: Goal 11 sition and deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement. The New Urban Agenda Sustainable cities and adopted at the United National Con- communities: “Make cities ference on Housing and Sustainable and human settlements Urban Development (Habitat III) in Quito inclusive, safe, resilient, on 20 October 2016 also emphasises and sustainable” the need to empower cities in climate change policies, including energy policies that aim at energy transitions Goal 12 towards more energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies, two Responsible consumption central components of a successful and production: “Ensure low carbon transition. Therefore, local sustainable consumption and regional governments, as the and production patterns” closest level to citizens, play a key role to engage communities and implement ambitious actions to meet the challeng- Goal 13 es ahead. Climate Action: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy” 6 Fundamental role of cities in the energy transition 6 C ities are responsible for 67% of global energy use and 70% of greenhouse gas emissions1, a level which is expected to reach 75% by 2030 when two thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. Therefore, cities need to be proactive and take actions to maintain a healthy living en- vironment for their citizens. As they are faced with fast urban- isations, they are playing an increasing role in the global en- ergy transition, having to adopt innovative solutions to meet climate objectives. In this context, cities have an opportunity to lead by example, make decisions that benefit and inspire their communities and demonstrate good practice. They are best placed to come up with practical solutions adapted to the local context, meeting the needs of their citizens. Metropolitan areas have a fundamental role in facilitating and promoting the energy transition by exchanging knowledge among cities, raising awareness, developing broader strate- gies for the entire metropolis, providing technical assistance and support to enable and manage the transition effectively. Metropolitan areas can commit to an ambitious energy transi- tion based on reduced energy use, carbon emissions and the development of renewable energy. Improving energy efficien- cy in buildings, industry and transport can reduce emissions as well as costs and provide significant benefits for local communities. Additionally, renewable solutions can transform communities and economies, create green jobs and new Fundamental economic activities, democratize energy sources and ensure energy independence. role of cities The energy transition, and ultimately, the decarbonisation of the energy system, is a huge challenge that will require in the energy fundamental changes to how we produce, store, distribute, manage and consume our energy, both heat and power. The solutions will be innovative and complex, and delivered by a transition multitude of stakeholders over the long-term. Thus, the ‘en-ergy transition’ encompasses technological, societal, cultural, economic and environmental aspects and is based on the active participation of citizens and communities who are no longer a simple consumer but at the centre of decision-mak- ing processes. The shift to a low carbon energy model is a chance to move from centralized power generation and distribution to shared systems, giving local stakeholders wider opportunities to participate, co-create and develop new economic models. Thus, public engagement and participation will be a fun- damental driver for the sustainability of the low carbon energy transformation. Local or central governments alone cannot achieve the far-reaching changes required by the energy transition. 1 http://unhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/P1HotCities.pdf 7 Partners in MEGA 7 Partners in MEGA The three core partners that have been actively engaged in MEGA are from three different countries: Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) in Spain, Lyon Métropole in France and Intendencia de Montevideo in Uruguay. The three partner cities have different national and institutional contexts which is crucial to explain differences in their approaches towards energy policy-making and the way they face the energy transition. For each metropolitan area, the following elements are considered: Brief summary: population, area, density, creation of territorial authority, main jurisdictions, type of election and principal type of financing; Competences on energy issues at the metropolitan level; National policies on energy which may affect metropolitan governance; Relevant metropolitan policy documents on energy; Relevant projects within the framework of a progressive energy transition 8 Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), SPAIN 8 Barcelona Metropolitan Area within Catalonia Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), SPAIN Catalonia, one region in Spain 9 9 Population: 3.2 million people Main jurisdictions: spatial planning, (includes the city of Barcelona with transport and mobility, environment 1.5 million people and 35 surrounding (water, waste, sustainability), economic municipalities) development, housing, social cohesion. Area: 636 km2 Type of election: Indirect: council of 89 members (delegates from Density: 5,093 inhabitants/km2 municipalities) Creation of territorial authority: 27 July Principal type of financing: Transfers 2010 (as a single administration) (above all from municipalities and consortia) and taxes www.amb.cat Competences on National policies on tainty for energy ‘prosumers’. Hence, energy issues at energy which may it recognizes the right to self-consume metropolitan level affect metropolitan electric energy without charge. The new provisions also reduce adminis- Classical competences related to ener- governance trative procedures for all prosumers, gy are centralized by the Spanish Gov- defines collective self-consumption and In Spain, the previous Royal Decree ernment (e.g. planning and execution simplifies the mechanism of payment 900/2015 on self-consumption estab- of transport and distribution networks, for any surplus energy injected back lished that consumers covered by any entire regulation of the energy sector, into the grid. self-consumption modality would be etc.). Considering that the energy subjected to distribution and transport transition will be based on distributed grid access fees charged in order In the European context, it is also production, municipalities have a main to ensure technical and economic important to consider the transposition role. Thus, the AMB has competences sustainability of the grid. This regulation of the main European Directives, such on planning, energy efficiency and pro- presented important problems in incen- as the revised Energy Performance of motion and management of renewable tives to encourage the prosumer ac- Buildings Directive to be transposed by energy facilities from the point of view tivity. However, the latest Royal Decree March, 2020. In this context, the main of the public common interest. Law 15/2018, 5 October, on urgent focus of AMB is on retrofitting rather measures for the energy transition and than new developments, where there is the protection of consumers, eliminated a clear lack of policies and obligations. the so-called ‘sun tax’ to provide cer- 10 10 Relevant metropolitan policy The plan is organized in 4 areas of action, with 13 lines of documents on energy action and 92 actions to be implemented from 2018-2030 and to better explain the Plan to the public. In 2015 AMB started to work on the energy transition. In September 2018, AMB approved the “2030 AMB Climate and Energy Plan” with the goal to decrease 40% CO2 emis- 1 Renaturalisation to become more resilient and sions, increase 30% energy efficiency and 30% renewables live better – rehabilitation of old buildings, more by 2030, in line with the 2030 climate and energy framework permeable and cooler spaces; of the European Commission. It is a “plan of plans” and includes three strategies to fight against climate change: car- bon management strategy, roadmap for energy transition and 2 Promoting local generation of renewables and climate change adaptation plan. The plan was developed more efficient use of energy, water and other for the period 2018-2030 with triennial revisions. The main resources: energy efficiency, reduce demand, outcomes planned as part of the Plan are: the creation of the water, etc Metropolitan Energy Agency, a Public Electricity Utility, a pub- lic platform to promote photovoltaic projects from citizenship investment and a public revolving fund. 3 Working with citizens: environmental awareness programme, reaching 50,000 persons/ The Plan, so far, is a tool to raise awareness inside the or- year ganization. Stakeholder involvement has not yet taken place. However, the intention for the next revision in 2021 is to involve stakeholders from all sectors and the whole territory. 4 Metropolitan governance coordinated with So far, the 36 municipalities of AMB are involved through a councils – AMB as coordinator of Covenant of “municipal energy forum” which meets once a year to dis- Mayors cuss good practices, obstacles, ask for assistance, etc. COM SERÀ LA METRÒPOLI DEL 2030? Figure 1. AMB Climate Més autosuficient, amb menys emissions i més resilient als impactes del canvi climàtic and Energy Plan 2030 THE PATH TOWARDS A MORE SELF-SUFFICIENT, RESILIENT AND EMISSION-NEUTRAL METROPOLIS https://www.metropolis.org/sites/default/files/2019-01/Placlimaienergia_guia_ENG_v2.pdf 11 11 Public school El Garrofer Relevant projects augurated in February 2019 and it has Energy Plan 2030 is the project of deep within the framework been designed and financed by AMB. renovation of “El Garrofer” school. The of the energy This facility converts the sunlight into project was contracted by Viladecans electricity to charge electric vehicles city council based on the study of the transition and also to supply the municipal sports capacity of deep renovation of three centre with energy. The station enables schools undertaken by the AMB. The Metropolitan solar charging the energy stored in electric vehicles to school was built in 1974 and its users stations be fed back into the electricity network lacked comfort in winter and summer. to help supply energy at times of peak The renovation included replacement A concrete action towards the im- demand. This technology is known of window frames and glasses, thermal plementation of AMB’s Climate and as V2G, meaning that it integrates the isolation on the outdoor side of the Energy Plan 2030 is the solar charging “vehicle to grid” system. façades and roof, controlled ventilation station of Molins de Rei, a pioneer- system, improvement of lighting, incor- ing public source of solar energy for poration of solar control louvers and Barcelona metropolitan area. It is the Near Zero Emissions Building, first public bidirectional solar charging the public school El Garrofer in introduction of airtightness layer in the Viladecans façade. The objective was to transform station in Spain and it is located at the the school into a building nZEB (near parking lot of the municipal sports cen- tre in Molins de Rei, a city in the met- Another concrete action towards the Zero Emissions Building) and get the implementation of AMB’s Climate and standard Passivhaus.ropolitan area of Barcelona. It was in- Metropolitan solar charging stations 12 Lyon Métropole, FRANCE 12 Lyon Métropole, FRANCE 13 13 Population: 1,3 Main jurisdictions: Type of election: million people in 2014 employment and indirect: council of 153 (Lyon with 500,000 economic development; members (delegates inhabitants) and 59 major projects and from municipalities) communes including urban planning; Lyon knowledge and culture; energy and the Principal type of environment; transport; financing: fees and Area: 538 km2 living environment own taxes and central and housing; government transfers Density: 2,383 children and family; inhabitants/km2 solidarity; water and www.grandlyon.com sewage; cleanliness; Creation of territorial attractiveness and authority: 1 January reputation. 2015 Competences on energy of the State can take actions together, setting medium- and long- metropolitan area term goals. Lyon Métropole has the following competences: The objectives are the following: • Support for energy management actions including renewa- • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2030 ble energy development: possibility to create power plants compared with 1990; for its own use or to seal it, support to renewables; • Reduce the use of fossil fuels by 30% in 2030 com- • Creation, organisation, maintenance and management of pared with 2012; district heating and cold in 6 districts; • Increase the share of renewable energy sources to • Concession for public distribution of electricity and gas. 32% of total energy consumption by 2030 and to 40% of electricity generation; National policies on energy • Reduce total energy consumption by 50% in 2050 which may affect metropolitan compared with 2012; governance • Diversify electricity generation and reduce the share of nuclear to 50% by 2025. Modernisation of Public Territorial Action and Affirmation of Metropolises Act (2014): creation of metropolises with new These are very ambitious goals for the metropolitan scale. energy competences. This law has reinforced the role of the local authority in the fight against climate change. There is also an obligation for the intercommunal authority (with more than 20,000 inhabit- Energy Transition for Green Growth Act (2015): provides a ants) to develop a climate plan, including air quality. framework in which individuals, businesses, regions and the 14 14 Energy Climate Conference, 23 November 2017 Relevant plans and Energy Master Plan scale, multi-energy (electricity, gas, programmes district heating and cold). This scheme This project, launched in 2015, is the was approved in May 2019 with the Territorial Climate and Energy core of the Climate, Air and Energy Ter- following objectives: Plan of Lyon Métropole (Plan ritorial Plan with a scenario at horizon Climat) 2030 to be approved in autumn 2019 Double the renewable energy and at the 6th Energy Climate conference. recovery as part of metropolitan Was adopted in 2012. It is a local strat- It has the following goals: consumption by 2030, with a growth egy to reduce greenhouse emissions rate of 100% by 20% between 2000 and 2020, • Provide guidelines to develop a thanks to 26 actions. 83 organisations metropolitan energy transition policy signed the plan in 2015 and more than (control energy consumption, rational- 100 at the end of 2017. These partners ly develop energy networks, develop -20% recognize the Vision 2020 which will renewable energy, secure universal 17% allow a fall in CO2 emissions by 2020 access to energy, etc.) and undertake to roll out the 26 actions • Include energy as a structured part of in their field of expertise. A new Terri- public policies and projects deriving torial Climate, Air and Energy Plan is Reduction of energy consumption by from it (water resource and sanitation being developed and is planned to be 2030 (compared to 2013)management, waste management, approved by the end of 2019. transportation, urban planning, hous- ing, etc.) Oxygen plan (2016) This scheme is a four-year’s multidi- Has the objective to reduce pollutant mensional and experimental process -43% emissions to maintain health and qual- including a diagnosis and the devel- Reduce greenhouse ity of life. opment of an energy model at the gas emissions from metropolitan scale, energy scenarios 2000 levels in 2030 building and the definition of an energy strategy. There is a challenge of territo- rialisation, this is, develop a diagnosis and a strategy at an infracommunal 15 15 An action plan including 125 actions A good governance practice in aims to achieve these objectives. This Grand Lyon is the Energy Master Plan. Integrate the territorial plan has been developed in a very From the beginning of the project, the expertise of energy actors transversal way, linked with other met- ambition is to: ropolitan public policies (housing, eco- nomic development, water and waste Develop an action plan that water services, waste policy, transport will result from the diagnosis and urban planning). For each action, it and will recalibrate on the develops a technical pathway, dead- basis of their impact and to line planning and an estimation of the be territorialized budget Devise a scenario for 2030 of CO2 emissions and consumption in the territory jointly with the partners Relevant projects Confluence urban project within the framework of the energy The Lyon Confluence Urban renewal • The increase of local renewable scheme was awarded the eco-dis- transition energy production (photovoltaic and trict label by the Ministry for Ecology, district heating); Sustainable Development and the ECORENO’V Sea. Since 2000 and until 2030, the • The construction of new buildings development of the Lyon Confluence with high energy performance, includ- Since 2012, Grand Lyon and its urban project takes place in an area of ing positive energy blocks; partners have endeavored to develop 150 hectares. Half of the area was an highly effective thermal renovations, i.e. • The energy renovation of the existing existing neighbourhood whilst the other to achieve the “renovation BBC” stand- neighbourhood; half is new construction and public ard of 96 kWhep / year / m². In 2015, spaces. • Sustainable mobility; this support became more generally • The development of a smart grid, available with the launch of the “local via an energy data management eco-renovation platform” supported The Confluence area, which represents platform. by the ADEME and the Rhône-Alpes doubling the size of the Lyon city, will region. Financial assistance for the not involve an increase of greenhouse works is boosted by a subsidy of € gas emissions due to: 3,500 excl. tax / home for reaching the BBC standard and € 2,000 / home for a “voluntary” renovation, with a 35% energy saving. To support renovations in the social and private housing sector, Lyon Métropole voted in an envelope of € 30 million by 2020. The Confluence Urban Project 16 Montevideo, URUGUAY 16 Montevideo, URUGUAY 17 17 Population: 1,319,108 inhabitants (in Type of election: direct elections. The Montevideo capital city) election of mayors, members of the Departmental Boards and other elective Area: 530 km2 local authorities, always take place in May of the year after the national elections (every five years). Density: 2,602 inhabitants/ km2 Principal type of financing: transfer Creation of territorial authority: from national government and fees. Montevideo City Hall was created on December 1908. Since 2010 the city is divided into 8 municipalities. Also it has http://montevideo.gub.uy 62 neighborhoods. Main jurisdictions: planning (urban planning services, infrastructure, public space and housing); mobility (transport and planning); environment (water, waste and sustainability); social projects, social economy and inclusion politics; and international relations and cooperation. Competences National policies on Committee in 2010 (as an agreement on energy of the energy which may between all the political parties that metropolitan area affect metropolitan have parliamentary representation), for which it is configured as a Policy of The high concentration of energy governance State. This policy included a long-term consumption in urban areas demands perspective and also incorporated the Uruguay gets more than 95% of its an energy policy at departmental (local) social, ethical and cultural implications electricity from renewables. In addi- level, which must consider aspects of in addition to the classic technical-eco-tion to old hydropower plants, a hefty energy efficiency and promote a diver- nomic analysis of the energy issue. The investment in wind, biomass and solar sified matrix generation in the depart- Energy Policy Uruguay 2030 represents in recent years has raised the share of mental territory, within the framework of a strong commitment to renewable these sources in the total energy mix to national and territorial policies. Mon- energy sources and energy efficiency 55%, compared with a global average tevideo has the opportunity to provide and considers access to energy as a of 12%, and about 20% in Europe. energy efficiency solutions related to human right. It established strategic transport, urban waste management, guidelines which included goals for In 2008, the government approved a the industrial sector and buildings. the short, medium and long-term, as national energy policy “Energy Policy Especially in the transport sector taking well as courses of action to reach such Uruguay 2005-2030”. It was approved into consideration the scale in energy goals. by the Executive Power and ratified consumption. by the Parliament’s Energy Multiparty 18 18 Relevant metropolitan policy documents on energy Strategic Energy Plan of Montevideo (PEDEM) 2030 is the current framework for all the actions in this matter. It was pre- pared based on a broad participatory process, both internally and externally. It has the following five objectives: Objective 1: Contribute to Objective 3: Build awareness Objective 5: Institutional the savings and efficient use and citizen education in strengthening in energy. of energy energy • Adapt the organizational structure to • Systematically update Montevideo • Generate information, communica- plan and manage energy issues in the regulations to improve energy effi- tion and participation of all the actors institution and according to its scope ciency; involved in the process of implement- and dimensions. • Create incentive mechanisms for ing the Strategic Plan of Energy of • Incorporate energy in current pro- the incorporation of energy efficien- Montevideo. grams and plans, objectives and cy criteria in buildings, industry and • Create innovative public-private goals. transport. partnerships to strengthen the “know- how”. • Encouraging the acquisition of • Systematically incorporate energy extra-budgetary resources such as efficiency criteria in the services of external financing for specific projects. the institution, as a model of good Objective 4: Promote practices. equitable access to energy • Promote the training of those involved • Encourage the use of public trans- for the population of in energy issues, and integrate and Montevideo. promote areas of knowledge, access port. and dissemination of technologies. • Stimulate active transport in Monte- • Coordinate inter-institutional efforts • Integrate the information available in video. in the development of the regulatory the different sectors of the institution framework that regulates aspects and other institutions related with Objective 2: Promote linked to the energy sector. energy and systematic dissemination renewable energy in order to of information. promote the diversification • Involve the entire institution in the of the energy mix. elaboration, start-up, review and dissemination of the Strategic Energy • Define a model regarding the use and Plan. / or generation of energy at depart- mental level within the framework of the national energy mix. • Diversify the energy mix of the trans- port sector. 19 19 Mobility Management Enlargement of the bicycle Centre network in Montevideo Relevant projects within the tract with the taxi driver which imposes certain obligations framework of a progressive energy and provides $10,000 and the financial institutions have transition established specific conditions for the electric vehicle. The objective in the long run is to have 300 electric taxis (10% of • Bicycle paths: 40 Km of infrastructure for bicycle use. The the total). programme “movete” involves 80 bicycles and 8 stations • Replacement of 70,000 public lighting lamps by LED tech- and will be extended to cover 16 stations and between 100 nology, which will involve a reduction of 6.4 MW of installed and 200 bicycles. power, $6 millions of savings and a reduction of 12,254 • Mobility Management Centre: implementation of intelligent tonnes of CO2. Furthermore, there will be benefits concern- transport systems applied to the administration, manage- ing the maintenance. ment and control of traffic and transport of the city in real • Incorporation of photovoltaic energy in the departmental time. The Centre collects traffic data during all day every day governments, which will become promoters and generators of the year. They model traffic through the use of specific and at the same time will acquire experience in the imple- computer tools and prepare new traffic lights plans that mentation of this technology. The municipality of Montevideo allow synchronizing the network adapting it to the traffic promotes the integral use of renewable energy resources for demand. self-supply as an element for dissemination and awareness • Incorporation of 50 electric taxis to encourage the entry of among the community. electric cars. This is encouraged by: Montevideo city hall establishes the taxi licence price at 50% of the market value; the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining with the Ministry of Economy provides exoneration of the external tariff for two years; the National administration of electric transmis- sions supports the initiative by signing an advertising con- 20 Different governance approaches in MEGA partners 20 Different governance approaches in MEGA partners D ifferent approaches to govern- tan administration focuses its efforts on transport and mobility by promoting ance in the energy transition the collaboration with municipal repre- electric vehicles in collective transport towards a low carbon econ- sentatives to support their initiatives in and working to improve traffic and omy are clearly observed in the three the field of promoting energy efficiency safety through the mobility manage- core partners that have been actively and adopting renewables. This is the ment centre. In addition, a specific engaged in MEGA. Barcelona, Grand case for instance, of the support to the action to replace street lighting fixtures Lyon and Montevideo show different projects explained above, such as the with LED has also been undertaken, characteristics in terms of size, pop- NZEB School and the solar charging among other actions. All of these ulation, competences and the type of stations in different municipalities of actions have been undertaken with dif- national policies affecting the metro- the metropolitan area. In contrast, ferent actors involved in energy issues politan area in the field of energy. All Grand Lyon is highly industrial and the and in the national working group (cre- three metropolitan areas have decided efforts made by the main emitters of ated in the framework of the national to take measures to cope with climate CO2 emissions to reduce their energy energy policy “Energy Policy Uruguay change and implement the energy expenditure have a big impact in the 2005-2030” as a Policy of State), which transition by approving specific plans to overall metropolitan area. Thus, Grand involves different national and local address these challenges by 2030. Lyon focuses on establishing partner- authorities in constant interaction with ships with industry and businesses in civil society and the private sector. MEGA has explored the governance ar- the territory to achieve the objectives of rangements of metropolitan authorities the vision climate-air-energy by 2030. with various stakeholders in the energy The charter of engagement in the transition, taking into account the differ- Climate Plan (2019) aims to mobilise ent contextual factors which influence not only businesses but also institu- the nature of decision-making in energy tions, local authorities and associations matters. AMB, Grand Lyon and Mon- in signing up partnerships with Grand tevideo have taken initiatives to bring Lyon to address the climate, energy together different types of stakeholders and air quality challenges. to support the transition to a low car- bon economy. Given that AMB has lim- In Montevideo, the fact that Uruguay ited competences over energy matters has more than 95% of electricity com- as it does not have direct competences ing from renewable sources and the on energy efficiency or renewables electricity industry continues to be na- planning, it leaves the power on energy tionalized sets a specific framework for planning in the hands of the State and action at metropolitan level. Therefore, municipalities. However, the metropoli- the main focus of the Intendencia is on 21 21 Size (Km2) 636 533,7 530 Population (nº 3,2 million 1,3 million 1,3 million inhabitants) Municipalities 36 59 8 Main Centralised on the Spanish Support for energy manage- Competences on planning, competences on energy government. Considering ment actions; concession energy efficiency and re-that the energy transition for public distribution of newables. Energy issues are will be based on distributed gas and electricity; creation, incorporated in the different production, municipalities organisation, maintenance areas as a transversal issue, have a key role. AMB has and management of district led by the planning depart- competences on planning, heating and cooling. ment. energy efficiency and renew- ables with public common interest criteria. National - Royal Decree law 15/2018 - Modernisation of public - Energy Policy Uruguay policies affecting the on urgent measures for the territorial action and affir- (2005 - 2030) metropolitan energy transition and the mation of metropolises Act - Energy Efficiency National area protection of consumers (2014) PLan (2015 - 2024) - Energy Performance of - Energy Transition for Green Buildings Directive (retrofit- Growth Act (2015) ting) Main 2030 AMB Climate & Energy Climate Plan (2012 - 2020) Montevideo Strategic Energy Metropolitan Plans on Plan (2018 - 2030) Energy master scheme Plan (PEDEM) (2011 - 2030) energy Triennial revisions (2015 - 2030) 22 Lessons learned 22 Lessons learned There is no one-size fit all. No two cities The cross-cutting and transversal nature or metropolitan areas are alike. The policies of energy and its importance on a regional applicable in metropolitan areas will depend and scale requires an integrated approach and work- be shaped very much on what is possible based ing closely with other departments at metropolitan on national and regional policy objectives (such level, such as economy, urban planning, housing, as economic development goals, health consid- industrial development, transport and mobility and erations, energy security issues) and constraints resource management, among others. Effective (such as limited resources, increasing energy collaborative interdisciplinary working with dif- prices, etc). ferent departments (e.g. urban planning, ecology, economy, etc) results in a better understanding of the multi-faceted energy challenges and better All metropolitan areas have already taken outcomes. the decision to adopt ambitious renewable energy targets by 2030 and to promote energy efficiency as part of their policies towards a low The engagement of civil society in design- carbon economy. However, it is not an easy path. ing and implementing a new energy model A reflection needs to be made on to what extent is a crucial aspect in the process of transition ambitions can also be realistic and practicable, towards a low carbon economy. as some objectives might not be applicable for different regions which show different characteris- tics at local level (e.g. density of urban areas, wind While the potential for renewables is high, potential, etc) and need to be “territorialised”. it varies greatly depending on each city’s characteristics. Population density, growth prospects, availability of natural resources in the Although the different metropolitan areas territory and neighbouring areas and demand vary in size, population density, level of profiles in cold versus hot climates all shape the development, climate, deployment of renewables, opportunities to introduce renewables, includ- level of resources, etc, each metropolitan area ing the vast growth potential for uses in urban focuses on a specific aspect to pave the way to buildings and transport. Accordingly, deployment a sustainable energy system. Grand Lyon works strategies must be tailored to technology options in partnerships with industry and businesses to and enabling policy frameworks for each city. engage them in energy matters and AMB focuses its work on the municipalities of the metropolitan area to advance the deployment of renewables and foster energy efficiency. Instead, Montevideo has the advantage of being in a country where re- newables provide more than 95% of the country’s electricity. Therefore, the Intendencia of Montevi- deo focuses on the transport sector, encouraging the use of electric vehicles and bike system in the city, working with different actors involved in energy. 23 23 Lessons learned from MEGA partners Gil Lladó Metropolitan Area of Barcelona “The MEGA Project has contributed to enhance our understanding in a number of areas: • Access to detailed, continuous in time and quality data is crucial in order to take decisions. Gil Lladó Ana Romero • There is a need to strengthen the links between the different sub-national levels - local, metropolitan and regional governance. In all the three countries involved, the national level has similar types competences in energy matters and this allows a high level of cooperation among States. However, at the lower level, there are a lot of dif- ferences between cities which make collaboration more challenging. For this reason, the identification of barriers to implement the energy transition and the exchange of experiences and good practices in energy governance is more demanding than at national level. It is precisely for this reason that it is extremely necessary to reinforce the cooperation between metropolitan areas. • It is possible to have an energy revolution in 10 years, as shown in Uruguay. How- ever, this revolution should be undertaken placing citizens at the centre of deci- sion-making as they will enable a change in the energy culture if they actively take decisions in a democratic way. Without this social change, to replace fossil fuels by renewables is only a way to delay the problem of limited resources and to avoid the urgent need for de-growth. • The importance of regular energy strategic planning over time should be empha- sized as well as the need to involve the private sector, industry, businesses in the energy transition without interfering in efficient, transparent and fair public decisions”. Pauline Gabillet Lyon Métropole “On the one hand, we are particularly interested in the way AMB works with mu- nicipalities. This is an important outcome of implementation for the Energy master plan in Grand Lyon. The implementation of a strategic plan at the municipal and district scales is necessary to successfully develop the energy transition. Munici- Pauline Gabillet Luce Ponsar palities can have an important intermediate role. On the other hand, the exchange with Montevideo has also been interesting to realize that the energy mix can be very different according to national and territorial contexts. The importance of the renewable electric production in Uruguay and the absence of gas production has been very stimulating”. Andrea de Nigris Intendencia de Montevideo “Even if the realities in the different metropolitan areas participating in MEGA seem very different, the exchange of experiences confirms that the challenges involved in the energy transition are very similar. MEGA has shown that collaboration and the exchange of experiences is one of the most powerful tools to find solutions to the Andrea de Nigris Nelson Fernández decarbonization challenge that local authorities have to face. The paradigm of a unique and universal solution applicable to all realities does not seem to be possible. Creativity is the key to success. In this regard, the participa- tion of Intendencia de Montevideo in MEGA allowed us to better understand and discuss with the partners how a variety of strategies on energy sustainability can be developed from the local level to meet the United Nations Sustainable Develop- ment Goals”.