The 20th edition of the European Conference for the Energy Transition took place in Dunkirk from the 22nd to the 24th of January. The event gathered around 2,500 people, ten times more than for its first edition in 1999: local authories, energy experts, associations and networks, governments, businesses, students, etc. Three stimulating days to learn about what’s happening in other places and how we can reach our common goals… And there’s work ahead of us!
From December 3rd to December 14th, the Conference Of the Parties (COP) 24 was held in Katowice, Poland. What to do with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s special report on the impacts of a 1.5°C rise? The report, requested during COP21, was not welcomed as four countries – the USA, Russia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia – refused to do so, stating there were scientific gaps within the report. Even thou countries are invited to use it, the report was not officially welcomed during COP24 which raises many questions as of the engagement of the world’s countries.
Avià is a small municipality in Catalunya, part of the Bergueda county and about 1h30 drive north of Barcelona. With its 2 257 inhabitants, Avià is a rural community that committed to the energy transition for two main reasons. One is that climate change is an urgent threat and that we must ALL act NOW if we want our children to live on a liveable planet. Two is that the energy transition is a real opportunity for local development. Indeed, Avià has been giving subsidies to its inhabitants thanks to the energy savings made on public buildings and lighting. These savings represent 50 000€ every year, a significant amount that is re-injected in the local economy. Economy also comes from the installation of solar panels on public buildings, now facilitated by the change of regulation concerning self-consumption in Spain. With this economy, the local government of Avià give 2,000€ subsidies to private individuals and industries willing to self-produce their electricity using solar panels.
From September 12th to September 14th, RURENER had its 2018 General Assembly, hosted by Le Pays de Combraille en Marche in the Creuse department, France. It was a great opportunity for our members to meet and discuss about their common interests and problematics regarding how to conduct the energy transition in rural areas.
From September 12th to September 14th will take place our 2018 General Assembly, associated with a field study tour, “From idea to action for the energy transition in rural Europe” hosted by Le Pays de Combraille en Marche (Creuse department, France). We invite you to learn more about the detailed programme here (English) or here (Français).