Small towns and rural communities are facing a dilemma: On the one hand, municipalities, their citizens, companies and institutions are facing to energy costs, which have drastically increased in recent years, and these costs will remain high in the medium to long-term. On the other hand, it is with stagnating public revenue, not only to provide the energy supply of public buildings and facilities safe and to keep the local infrastructure for existing and new residents and businesses attractive, without burdening the citizens.
A key to this lies both in the development and utilization of energy resources in the region for the region, as well as in the promotion of energy saving. Across Europe, many municipalities try to explore and to use these possibilities. What is still missing are long working concepts, tools and experience in the restructuring of regional energy supply. In the project „North Sea – Sustainable Energy Planning“ the European Institute for Innovation has merged with 13 other partners from the North Sea Region to close this gap.
Communities, academic institutions and industry partners work together in this project to expand renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy saving, and take the advantage of cooperation, synergy and shared experiences. With the Jade University Oldenburg as lead partner, common options are developed to strengthen the use of renewable energy sources, and to increase the efficient use of energy.
Partners from industry, science and the municipal policy develop studies during the project, they develop tools and business models that serve the implementation of new energy supply concepts at the regional level. This planning security for decision makers is increased and the knowledge potential for future activities is strengthening.
Partners
Germany
City of Osterholz-Scharmbeck
Jade University of Applied Sciences (University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth)
European Institute for Innovation
County of Osterholz
Municipality of Worpswede
Municipality of Hambergen
Municipality of Ritterhude
Municiplatity of Grasberg
Municipality of Lilienthal
REON AG
Transnational Partners
U.A.N. Communal Environment Action
Aberdeen City Council
Dundee College – Construction & Built Environment Centre
Intercommunale Leiedal
Imog
Provincie Drenthe
Energikontor Sydost
Energy and Environment Centre
Municipality of Varberg/campus varberg
Green Network
Tynaarlo Municipality
Hedensted Kommune
Vejle Kommune
Fredericia Kommune
Kolding Kommune
Middelfart Kommune
Funding Programme
Interreg IVB North Sea Region Programme
European Regional Development Fund
Fore more Information read the Final Report