Can municipalities lead the energy transition? On available policy, competences and requirements for action

Abstract

The implementation of innovative, bottom-up and tailor-made sustainable energy solutions in local communities is a fundamental game-changer in countries' energy transition agendas. Challenges related to energy governance and the action to mitigate global warming require these communities to play a leading role through increased involvement in local energy initiatives. Municipalities can play this role at different levels, as a bridge between the private sector, the development agencies and the local communities, throughout the sector value chain from energy production to end-use consumption, using locally available renewable energy resources. The study was carried out in the city of Dakar, Senegal, where data on energy behaviour were collected through a survey. The main conclusion drawn from the study is municipalities can lead the transition to energy sustainability with the support of resident communities. However, this requires a policy framework that defines the municipalities' scope of action, which is currently missing.