Since 2022, the Regio1st project has been working to bridge the gap between high-level EU policy and the practical, daily decisions made by regional authorities. By focusing on the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle, the mission was clear: ensure that energy-saving measures are prioritised before investing in costly new infrastructure, ultimately creating a more resilient and cost-effective energy system for everyone.
A Framework for Regional Success
At the core is the Regio1st Planning Framework, a structured, eight-stage approach designed to guide regional energy planners through the complexities of modern decarbonisation. This framework is not just a theoretical model; it is supported by a comprehensive suite of practical tools. From Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to detailed technology catalogues, Regio1st equips planners with the instruments needed to model future scenarios and identify the most sustainable combinations of energy solutions for their unique communities.
Real Impact in Six Pilot Regions
The true success of Regio1st is best seen in the progress of its six partner regions: Asturias (Spain), Liguria (Italy), Medjimurje (Croatia), Western Macedonia (Greece), the South East of Ireland, and the municipalities of Ormož and Slovenska Bistrica (Slovenia). Whether it was Asturias integrating the EE1st principle into its forthcoming Regional Energy Strategy, or Western Macedonia using the framework to ensure regional investments are socially inclusive and climate-aligned, each region has demonstrated that the principle is a powerful driver for local development.
The Regio1st project may be concluding, but the tools and knowledge are just getting started. Download the Final Report and the Planning Framework today to lead the energy transition in your region!
