Energy transition and territorial strategies in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The morning session featured a workshop, providing leaders with valuable tools to craft their individual climate neutrality roadmaps. Exploring feedback from other local authorities and perusing thematic newsletters, the “Resource Centre for Territories in Transition” managed by AURA-EE emerged as a potent resource, enhancing visibility and keeping them abreast of local developments.

As the day progressed, the spotlight turned to TerriSTORY®, a tool developed by AURA-EE for steering the ecological transition in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This powerful instrument aids authorities in crucial functions like territorial diagnosis, strategy formulation, and forecasting. Through TerriSTORY®, AURA-EE presented a comprehensive overview of the renewable resources mix and current consumption status of local authorities.

At 2 pm, the adventure began! Within the framework of the 3rd meeting of Ad’M EnR Citoyenne, climate leaders embarked on thematic field trips of their choice, exploring either solar panel installations or heating networks.

Xenia Vall, a climate leader representing Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte who talked in the REMARKABLE Climate Leaders Podcast, chose to visit the ForestEner’ boiler plant. This facility, established by Énergie Partagée, Enercoop Rhône-Alpes, and wood-energy specialists, powers various locations in the town of Estrablin. The visit delved into the legal intricacies of the boiler plant, emphasising the importance of considering the unique context of each territory in implementing such energy systems.

The solar panel excursion guided climate leaders through diverse stops, featuring a French Catholic high school, a riding school, and a resident’s house—all equipped with solar panels. From the origins of projects to practical applications for students, the leaders witnessed the impact of these solar installations on energy transition objectives and community empowerment.

A captivating roundtable discussion, led by Catherine Premat and Naomi Levannier of AURA-EE, drew insights from Lyon’s experiences and projects like Coopawatt and Un deux toits soleil. The consensus: a collective aspiration to be local authority models and driving forces for territorial stakeholders. The solidarity between rural and urban spaces emerged as a key theme, underscoring the belief that energy transition is achievable through collaborative efforts.

The climate leaders expressed keen interest in events of this nature, recognising them as foundational for ushering in a new era of actions in their respective areas. Their determination to leverage the TerriSTORY® tool as a cornerstone of their leadership positions resonated strongly.