Introduction
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 from EU Level Down to Municipal Level 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, regional, 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 and regional policies align with or diverge from national, EU and international policies.
- 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.
Explore the Taxonomy of Social Energy Plans and Policies
The ENTRACK project’s classification illustrates how social energy policies are developed and enforced from the EU to local levels. It provides a comprehensive look at the strategies, plans, and laws that drive the creation of a more sustainable and inclusive energy system. The report not only lists these policies but also explores their scope, connections, and roles in creating a unified social energy landscape. Locating these policies gives policymakers, researchers, and practitioners insights to evaluate social energy governance and identify where focused improvements are needed for a fair and resilient energy future.
For a comprehensive understanding of the taxonomy report, you can explore the European, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and Greek policies identified and links to the specific documents, by clicking on the designated images below:
Taxonomy maps
In the taxonomy maps, two kinds of arrows are utilized: direct connection arrows and parallel connection arrows. Direct connection arrows show policies that have a straightforward cause-and-effect link, which could be due to the transposition of policies, their inclusion in a policy package, or their alignment with earlier policies at the same or higher governance levels. Parallel connection arrows connect policies that have an indirect relationship, typically during their implementation or revision phases. These connections can be unidirectional, where one policy impacts another without any reciprocal influence, or bidirectional, where two policies mutually affect each other.
To better understand the interconnections between the various energy policies across Europe, refer to the detailed maps provided below. By clicking on the images, you will be directed to visual representations that outline how local, national, and EU-level policies are linked. These maps offer a clear and structured view of the policy frameworks and their interactions, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the strategic alignment within the ENTRACK project’s scope.
Spanish policy map
The ENTRACK project offers a comprehensive taxonomy of social energy policies from the EU down to the municipal level, highlighting the interconnectedness of various strategies that drive the clean energy transition. By mapping the complex landscape of social energy policies in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, the ENTRACK project aims to enhance local capacities to design tailored and inclusive energy solutions. As we move forward, this work will support municipalities in co-designing energy policies that address the needs of vulnerable populations and align with broader European sustainability goals.
The following presentation provides a brief overview of the Taxonomy of Social Energy Plans, Strategies, and Policies from EU Level Down to Municipal Level, highlighting the classification of energy policies from the EU to local levels and their impact on clean energy transitions in the Southern Mediterranean.
The full Taxonomy report on social energy plans, strategies, and policies from the EU level down to the municipal level is presented below:
Where to find us?
For further information or inquiries about the ENTRACK project and our initiatives, please use the following resources:
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- Email: For direct inquiries, please contact us at info@entrack-project.eu.