Energy transition is a term we hear now more than ever due to the energy crisis. But why is it that vital? How do we achieve it?
This process plays a critical factor in creating a sustainable environment of living and assuring that, at some point, we will reach climate resilience. In the current situation, we need to find alternative ways of using energy and reach forward-looking actions that will also benefit our health and our lives.
Many cities around the world and governments are trying to cut the CO2 emissions and modifying the transportation systems. Here comes the cohesion policy that helps to reach long term plans and play a central role in tackling the energy crisis, supporting SMEs and vulnerable households, but also enabling member states to reduce their dependence from imported fossil fuels and to develop renewable sources of energy. Through the funding allocations from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund (CF), member states will be able to reach their goals.
As being discussed on the workshop of cohesion policy helping the energy transition in Europe, the main objective and suggestion is for the member states to invest in active mobility and public transport to be decarbonised.
Public transport is one of the most important aspects of the energy transition. For years, it has been underfunded or the funds were not allocated in a sustainable way. As being mentioned, many European cities face challenges when it comes to using European funding in regarding of mobility because some cities don’t have an overview of the funding and the criteria.
Furthermore, member states and European Union must find a way to communicate better the energy transition to the citizens. Creating cities that exist for the citizens and not only for the cars can be a possible way to attract the interest of these citizens. There is always room for improvement and for the citizens to feel that the system of public transport is inclusive to all the citizens, like people disabilities.
Another issue that arises when it comes to energy transition is that some municipalities face increases in the energy prices and therefore, due to the energy crisis, they consider cutting public service. The thought is to turn off streetlights at night and cutting public transport services which, for example, is a huge negative factor from women perspective.
Here comes the Elena initiative, the European Investment’s Bank programme that provides technical assistance for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments targeting buildings and innovative urban transport. European Investment Bank has a major role on the energy transition process, and it is trying to step up the support for the energy transition. It can support municipalities and regions to develop their investment programmes and energy
efficiency.
Cohesion policy funds can help with this energy transition process. There are many examples on this as the “Green Deal Going Local”, which is a flagship initiative of the European Committee of the Regions, that aims to place cities and regions at the heart of the EU's transition to climate neutrality.
Also, Greece has already adopted the first Just Transition Fund (JTF) Programme and the country will mobilise a total investment of €1.63 billion to alleviate the impact of the energy and climate transition on the local economy and society. As Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said on June 2022 when the fund was allocated: “I am glad to see such a strong commitment towards to Cohesion Policy and to the green and energy transition in Greece. After being the first member state to see its 2021-2027 Partnership Agreement approved, Greece is again the first country to have its Just Transition Fund Programme and plans adopted. Greece is fast-moving towards a green and fair growth for all.”
Despoina Tsatalpa | Edited by Xoel Rodríguez Poy
