The ENTRACK project, supported by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, aims to streamline and enhance the capacity of local and regional authorities in designing effective clean energy transition plans. A critical component of this initiative is our comprehensive Taxonomy of Social Energy Plans, Strategies, and Policies report, which categorizes and analyzes energy policies from the EU level down to the municipal level.
Purpose and Significance
The Taxonomy report of social energy plans, strategies and policies from EU level down to municipal level provides a structured overview of the multi-level governance of social energy policies, drawing from a wide array of international, EU, national, and local policies. Its purpose is threefold:
- Clarify Complex Policy Landscapes: By categorizing policies across different governance levels, we help stakeholders understand the hierarchy and scope of initiatives affecting energy transitions.
- Identify Interconnections: Highlighting the connections between policies allows for a better understanding of how local actions align with or diverge from national and EU strategies.
- Facilitate Effective Implementations: By showcasing successful policy transpositions and pinpointing areas of improvement, the taxonomy aids policymakers in refining future energy strategies.
The production of the Taxonomy of Social Energy Plans, Strategies, and Policies from EU Level Down to Municipal Level report was expertly led by NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA).
Overview
The Taxonomy of Social Energy Plans, Strategies, and Policies from EU Level Down to Municipal Level report by ENTRACK project presents a detailed mapping of social energy policies across various governance levels—from the European Union to local municipalities. The report details how these policies aim to combat climate change and enhance sustainable energy use, with a focus on regions in the Southern Mediterranean, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. It outlines how international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Sustainability Agenda influence local energy policies. The analysis reveals a dominant top-down approach in policy implementation and advocates for greater local involvement in shaping national and EU strategies. The report examines the interplay between policies to pinpoint both direct interactions and potential overlaps that may lead to inefficiencies. It provides detailed case studies from Italy’s Campania region and Naples; Portugal’s Alto Alentejo, including Gavião and Ponte de Sor; Spain’s Catalonia, Barcelona, Girona, Osona, Gombrèn, Ripollès, and Sant Quirze de Besora; and Greece’s Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, highlighting municipalities like Avdira and Topeiro.
