Energy transition in rural areas - supporting local energy planning by the development of an online-tool for identification and promotion of energy-efficiency and the use of renewables

Abstract

Energy transition as a process aims to mitigate the effects of climate change at urban scales. It faces obstacles such as multiple stakeholders, complex technical and political decision-making, and unclear funding structures. The potential use of renewable energy, as well as embedding energy strategies in local economic development and in the role of municipalities is highly considered. Energy planning demands high resources, which are limited especially in rural areas. They are not appropriately focused by current energy planning tools. If any, only a few lighthouse-projects like energy cooperatives exist, mostly driven by private initiatives. The resulting online tool provides rural communities a decision support tool for energy transition which enables them to overcome the obstacles with few resources.