quarter of all produced electric energy in Germany comes from wind, sun, biomass or other renewable energy sources6 . En
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe
Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki Workshop report
Table of Contents
Abstract: main findings � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4 1. Project description. Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5 2. Germany: Energiewende at the local level � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7 3. Bottrop InnovationCity Ruhr � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9 4. Greece, the empire of wind and sun � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12 5. Thessaloniki: a potential energy self sufficiency � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14 6. Bottrop – Thessaloniki Workshop � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15
6.1 Groupwork Results � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15
6.2 Possible fields of cooperation: good practice transfer � � � � � � � � � 16
Conclusions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19
4
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
Abstract: main findings By the multi-stakeholder workshop in Berlin in
• Between the key stakeholders – entrepreneurs,
November, 2015 a pilot project between the municipalities of Bottrop and Thessaloniki was initiated within the European Growth Initiative. The event hosted representatives of local authorities, organized civil society, the business sector and science. Local stakeholders identified “good practice” examples to transfer knowledge between the communities – irrelevant to the country-specific setting and current economic situation.
civil society and local authorities – there is deeprooted political will to cooperate at the local and trans-border levels. • There is a need to involve public funds to kick-start no-regret investments that could trigger entrepreneurial and social revival in Greece. • The European cohesion funds or financial tools of the European Investment Bank (i.e. within the
The main findings resulting from the workshops were
framework of the Investment Plan for Europe)
as follows:
could play a major role in attracting investors by minimizing investment risks and securing bene-
• There is an urgent need in Greece to stimulate the
fits, in terms of both monetary revenues for inves-
economy through local investments based on local
tors and high quality investments for the local
resources.
communities.
• Greek entrepreneurs are willing to invest, however current economic constraints block them.
• European investment policy at the local level, backed by public participation and implemented in accordance with good governance codes, could
• Local communities in Greece are constantly faced
serve as a successful and valuable dimension of
with a deficit of workplaces – their inhabitants are
the European integration, helping to regain trust
at risk of poverty and worsening living conditions.
in the idea of European Union.
• Bottrop has so far successfully managed structural
The “Growth Initiative – Municipalities for a
transformation, minimizing social risks and buff-
Strong Europe”, a pilot project involving the local communities of Bottrop and Thessaloniki, was part of Advocate Europe, the European idea challenge by MitOst in cooperation with Liquid Democracy, funded by Stiftung Mercator.
ering structural mismatches by long-term socioeconomic transition programs. • Bottrop is ready to share its innovation, know-how and experience in structural sustainable transformation at the local level.
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
5
1. Project description. Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe Introduction
Meanwhile, the framework for resilient Energy
The European Growth Initiative (EGI) is a program
Union was developed, bringing the challenges of
implemented by HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance
energy transition. To be successful, the idea of “green
Platform (HVGP) that seeks to overcome structural
growth” must be implemented in a sustainable and
difficulties related to energy transition and economic
participatory way. The need for political solutions
downturn in European municipalities. The goal is to
at the European level is urgent, however it is also
develop project models that include finance options
important to enhance a bottom-up approach in the
and multi-stakeholder participation. The program
European policies.
activities follow a 3-phase-path: 1) workshops for communities and their stakeholders to identify needs
Therefore, developing German-Greek cooperation at
and resources available; 2) further research and eval-
the municipal level can be a complementary element
uation of implemented local policies; 3) wider follow-
in overcoming not only the financial crisis but also the
up initiatives – networking with municipalities from
lack of trust in the European Union. Bottrop was a
other EU Member States. Trialog workshops should
heavy industrialized coalmining city that faced serious
result in key local stakeholders (authorities, organ-
challenges: it had to restructure its economic model
ized civil society, trade unions, investors and the busi-
and energy policy. Today, it’s an InnovationCity in the
ness sector) identifying existing structural problems
Ruhr area focused on innovative multipliable models
to later transfer relevant “good practices” between
of development. This idea is intended to be spread in
the municipalities.
the region – our project would like to add a European scope. Severely hit by the financial crisis, Thessaloniki
The Bottrop (DE) – Thessaloniki (GR) cooperation
suffered from a shrinking manufacturing sector and
project serves as a pilot phase within the EGI program.
growing unemployment. The city is eager to trans-
Successful cooperation of those local communities
form its energy policy, what manifests in its Energy
should deliver common models for other EU commu-
Cities membership. We believe that linking these
nities and later involve municipalities from other EU
two municipalities to learn from each other will help
countries.
them develop sustainable energy models, create jobs and improve understanding between Germany and Greece, as well as strengthen the integrity of the EU.
Background Since 2009 Europe has been struggling with the global financial crisis. The most unfortunate course of
Motivation & objectives
events occurred in Greece, where the level of public
Workshops gathering participants from Greece and
debt exceeded 180% GDP and the youth unemploy-
Germany, followed-up by the analysis of the stake-
ment rate reached 50%. The economic crisis brought
holder positions and complemented by support for
also political tensions, that could mostly be seen on
cooperation between the stakeholders in the cities
the North-South axis: Germany-Greece.
are the core activity of the project. Inviting the municipalities of Bottrop and Thessaloniki, as well as the local stakeholders to participate and share
6
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
“good practice” approaches to energy supply and
Organization and leadership
quality of labor or to exchange their experiences
The HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform (HVGP) is a not-for-profit, limited liability company, based in Berlin/Germany. It was established in July 2014, building on the proven project methodology of the former Humboldt-Viadrina School of Governance. Our Trialogs (a format for multi-stakeholder meetings) and governance projects bring together the government, business and civil society, with the support of scientific contributors and the media in order to find practical solutions for social challenges and to contribute to sustainable democratic politics. This concerted and targeted collaboration of all social actors is necessary in order to gain a common understanding of multi-faceted social challenges, to develop strategic solutions and mobilize political coalitions.
with similar structural problems should contribute to better understanding of their own limits and opportunities, multi-stakeholder ownership of development strategies and international partnerships for rebuilding European integration. The later followup initiative would aim at developing more replicable multi-stakeholder decision-making models for a more democratic approach in shaping local investment plans/industrial policy and sustainable development in Europe. From the local perspective, the objectives of the project refer to facilitating knowledge exchange in implementing energy transition – Energiewende – at the local level: • linking municipalities with “green business” in order to help them develop investment ideas in renewable energy sources (RES)/energy efficiency that would be most appropriate for the local communities, • facilitating
local
strategies
for
sustainable
development, • promoting “good governance” at the local level, • raising awareness about the social aspects of energy policy. From a more general perspective, the expected • fostering successful structural changes emerging
Prof. Dr. Gesine Schwan is a political scientist with focus on political culture, democratic theory and
from the energy transition in the education system
political psychology. She was dean of the Otto-Suhr
and in industry,
Institute (Political Science Department) at Freie
impacts of the project refer to:
• tackling energy poverty and improving living conditions of the local communities, • contributing to the EU environmental goals of low carbon economy.
Universität Berlin, president of the Europa Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) and later of the HumboldtViadrina School of Governance in Berlin. She chairs the Commission for Fundamental Values of the Executive Committee (Grundwertekommission) of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD). In 2004 and 2009 she was candidate for the position of the federal president of Germany. She is co-founder and president of the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform.
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
7
2. Germany: Energiewende at the local level Germany has two unique features that are of great
democratic legitimization granted through general
importance to successful and fair structural transi-
elections.
tions. First, Germany’s administrative system allows for relative autonomy at the lower levels (municipali-
A specific feature of the German administrative
ties, counties). Second, a well developed energy tran-
system gives the federal states “the right to legislate
sition policy at the national level is complemented
insofar as this Basic Law does not confer legislative
by a strong political will to support innovation and
power on the Federation”2, which translates into
coherent bottom-up projects.
relative independence when tackling regional issues relevant only to particular federal states. As a result, various legal systems function at the local level
Subsidiarity: an asset for regional development
depending on various historical development paths.
When considering local development strategies in
Germany’s regional diversity, also in terms of defined
Germany it is crucial to reflect upon its characteristic
development models and implemented regional
federal system. It is based on the subsidiarity rule,
policies.
This “path dependency” has a tangible effect in
understood as decentralized redistribution of responsibility for decision-making processes depending on
As for the competences at the local level, the munic-
their complexity, scale and impact. The competences
ipalities have planning autonomy. They are inde-
spread from the national state level through 16 federal
pendent in shaping the local environment: urban
states and respective counties and municipalities.
and landscape planning, developing housing estates, business zones, tourist infrastructure and environ-
Article 28.2 of the German Federal Constitution
mental protection. The ultimate objective for any
grants those basic communal units the right “to
decision-making processes at the local level should
regulate all local affairs on their own responsibility,
be the well-being of inhabitants and their peaceful
within the limits prescribed by the laws. Within the
coexistence through the most effective use of finan-
limits of their functions designated by a law, asso-
cial and economic resources3.
ciations of municipalities shall also have the right of self-government according to the laws. The guarof financial autonomy; these bases shall include the
Energiewende – new trademark of Germany
right of municipalities to a source of tax revenues
Energy transition (Energiewende) is a general name
based upon economic ability and the right to estab-
for sustainable production and consumption of energy
lish the rates at which these sources shall be taxed” .
both in terms of resource saving and gas emissions.
Political processes at the local level must have a
The two main pillars of energy transition in Germany
antee of self-government shall extend to the bases
1
1 2 3
Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany, Article 28. Land constitutions – Autonomy of municipalities, paragraph (2), Deutscher Bundestag, November 2012, p. 31; www.bundestag.de/blob/284870/ce0d03414872b427e57fccb703634dcd/basic_law-data.pdf Op.cit., Article 70. Division of powers between the Federation and the Länder, p. 57. Fleckenstein J., Kientz J., 2014, Struktur deutscher Kommunen, Deutsch-Griechische Versammlung, 2/2014, p. 9.
8
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
are: energy efficiency (consumption) and renew-
Apart from technological aspects Energiewende is
able energy sources (production), complemented by
also a socio-economic transition as it affects produc-
developing intelligent grid and energy storage (redis-
tion and consumption patterns of societies. This
tribution) . In December 2014 the federal govern-
“third industrial revolution” might effect whole
ment launched a National Energy Efficiency Plan
regions by structural transformation, influencing
(Nationaler Aktionsplan Energie effizienz – NAPE)
major industry sectors and individual lives. On the
to decrease primary energy consumption through
one hand, technological progress changes the labor
investments (e.g. in public and private buildings),
markets and allows for decentralization of energy
consultancy services and bottom-up initiatives for
markets: production, distribution, consumption. On
energy efficiency5.
the other hand, it might trigger re-communalisation
4
of infrastructure, revive local economies based on The importance of renewable energy sources in
innovative SME’s and promote collective property at
Germany grew after implementing the Act on Renew-
the local level. Consequently, it becomes a political
ables (EEG) on April 1st of 2000, amended in 2014.
and axiological change for the foundation of modern
The objective is to increase the competitiveness of
societies, especially in addition to the newly redis-
energy transition for the citizens and companies, as
covered value of the natural environment and land-
well as to manage the capacity of energy produc-
scape protection.
tion and distribution system. Nowadays, nearly one quarter of all produced electric energy in Germany comes from wind, sun, biomass or other renewable energy sources6. Energy transition started in Germany and it continues with good results, especially at the local level: “[t]he energy transition is our avenue into a secure, environmentally friendly, and economically successful future (…) renewable energy is now Germany’s most important energy source for electricity. And not only are we increasingly relying on green energy – we are also using it more economically. This is good for the climate and also strengthens Germany’s position as a country with a large industrial sector. The energy transition is opening up new fields of business for German companies, promoting innovation, and creating jobs.”7
4 “Häufige Fragen zur Energiewende”, Umweltbundesamt, www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/klimaenergie/klimaschutz-energiepolitik-in-deutschland/ haeufige-fragen-zur-energiewende 5 “Nationaler Aktionsplan Energieeffizienz (NAPE)”, Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, www.bfee-online.de/bfee/europa_und_deutschland/ aktionsplan_energieeffizienz 6 “Erneuerbare Energien auf einen Blick”, Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie, www.bmwi.de/DE/Themen/Energie/Erneuerbare-Energien/ erneuerbare-energien-auf-einen-blick.html 7 “ The Energy Transition”, Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie, www.bmwi.de/EN/Topics/Energy/energy-transition.html
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
9
3. Bottrop InnovationCity Ruhr Ruhrgebiet: a story of transformation8
urban structures were developed by improving
The Ruhrgebiet (Ruhr valley) is the largest urban
the living environment, building recreational areas
agglomeration in Germany with the population of
and implementing municipal reorganization. The
over 5m inhabitants, of which nearly one quarter is of
accompanying de-industrialization of the region was
immigrant background . For the last two centuries its
complemented by social policy incentives, cushioning
development was determined by heavy industry: coal
industrial degradation – layoffs of workers could be
and zinc mining, steel works, and arms production.
avoided with early retirement schemes or vocational
The region became the industrial heart of Germany
re-training programs. This has however not saved the
with its growing demand for skilled and unskilled
Ruhrgebiet from structural mismatches and outflow
labor, which resulted in extreme population density
of the skilled labor force. Moreover, no innovative
and environmental damage. Despite heavy damage
industries were ready to replace the mines and steel-
in World War II, production restarted in 1950, with
works that were closing down. The Ruhr area became
143 coal minings delivering over 100m tons of fossil
regarded as obsolete and outdated – a region with
fuel a year. The reborn industry gave jobs to nearly
poor financial strategies.
9
1m coal and steel workers. Thus, in the 1990s the “third urbanization” started. The first wave of industrialization in 19th century
Urban renewal programs such as “Districts with
resulted in developing polycentric and highly popu-
Special Development Needs”, “Urban Renewal West”,
lated area. Geologically determined location of
“Social City” and “Integrated Urban Development”
“industrial villages” could not develop any urban func-
were launched to solve the problems of neighbor-
tionality, though. On the contrary, the steel industry –
hood decay, social segregation and urban fragmen-
located at the edge of the cities and providing its
tation. Restoration of urban open areas and green
labor force with own settlements – created a quasi-
spaces, cheaper modern housing and branding of
urban infrastructure, adding to the fragmentarisation
industrial heritage became the new developmental
of the region. Asides from spatial incoherence, the
path for the region.
Ruhr area suffered from environmental pollution as well as social problems.
The latest developments, enhanced by regional authorities, as well as the national development
In the late 1960’s the “second urbanization” program
policy paradigm open a new chapter for the Ruhr
was launched, focusing on education campaigns that
gebiet – modernization and (green) re-industriali-
resulted in funding higher education institutions in
zation though Energiewende. When industries are
the region. Within the municipal priority program,
closed down, not only do unemployment and risk-of-
the mobility of workforce was enhanced by invest-
poverty tend to grow, but also the problem of depop-
ments in public transport and highway expansion
ulation/brain-drain emerges. Thus, reducing pollu-
for settlement and infrastructural renewal. Modern
tion and improving energy efficiency is mostly of
8 Based on the “Metropole Ruhr – das neue Ruhrgebiet. Vom Kohlenpott zur Wissensregion”, www.metropoleruhr.de/land-leute/daten-fakten/ geschichte.html; “Problemkontext der Metropole Ruhr”, www.ruhrgebietregionalkunde.de/zukunftsperspektiven/metropole_ruhr/problemkontext_ mr.php?p=2,0 9 “Die Metropole Ruhr hat 5.062.307 Einwohner (Zensus 2011)”, www.metropoleruhr.de/regionalverband-ruhr/statistik-analysen/statistik-trends/ bevoelkerung/zensus-2011.html
10
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
secondary importance. Energiewende has a potential
By launching the InnovationCity Ruhr project in
not only to solve the problems of low income house-
2010 Bottrop became a model city for tackling struc-
holds by lowering household bills, but also to revive
tural mismatches by fair transformation. The town
local economies by applying structural solutions to
became a real-life laboratory for innovative urban
structural changes: building innovative industries and
solutions dealing with climate change and struc-
services, providing new education paths for employ-
tural transformation of heavy industrialized areas.
ability skills, and investing in urban innovations.
The InnovationCity project addresses not only the commercial sector, but also the inhabitants of the region. In the long run it aims at increasing the quality
Bottrop: from post-industrial town to innovation city
of life in ecological, social and economic terms. The
Bottrop (116,000 inhabitants), was a mining town
implemented by the means of Energiewende, i.e.
for 150 years. The last coal pit in Germany will be
through promoting energy efficiency and renewable
closed there in 2018. The city has to adapt – 2,000
energy sources. A green city also provides a higher
new jobs need to be created. The municipality has
standard of living for its inhabitants.
redevelopment of this local community should be
a green urban focus and needs economic stability – a relatively low unemployment rate must be main-
InnovationCity Ruhr relies on strong private sector
tained during restructuring. New jobs will emerge in
partnerships for industry knowledge and capital.
the green economy.
Academic partners were also invited to facilitate Bottrop’s metamorphosis. Bringing industry, the science and politics around one table was one of the vital steps to success.
11
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
Master plan for urban innovation10
By 2015, within the framework of InnovationCity
The Master plan for InnovationCity Ruhr foresees a
Ruhr, more than 300 individual projects have been
climate-friendly urban reinvention. It’s target is to
developed. The spectrum of activities is very broad
reduce 50% of carbon dioxide emissions in the city by
including: investments in housing, energy and
2020 through retrofitting the existing infrastructure –
urban infrastructure, mobility, consulting, aware-
housing, industrial halls, technical equipment – to
ness-raising campaigns, and developing interna-
reduce energy consumption and emission of pollu
tional cooperation. Until 2015, within the framework
tants. So far, the task is limited to a pilot area of
of InnovationCity Ruhr more than 300 individual
70,000 inhabitants at the heart of Bottrop. The
projects were developed. The spectrum of activi-
“Urban Re development District” is a special tool
ties is very broad, including: investments in housing,
enabling the municipality to receive funding from the
energy and urban infrastructure, mobility, as well as
state for the retrofitting program.
consulting, awareness-raising campaigns and developing international cooperation.
Infrastructural innovations at the local level Through investments in sustainable urban infrastruc-
Governance innovations at the local level
ture the energy efficiency of modernized buildings
The InnovationCity project is not a standard activity –
in Bottrop exceeds the national rate four times over.
it is a public policy innovation in Germany. As a single
Numerous examples within the “Future House” initi-
project it presents an experimental and integrated
ative show best practices for energy efficient build-
approach to energy efficiency and urban develop-
ings either through retrofitting the existing ones or
ment. As a municipal policy it could be adapted to any
via new investments.
specific site. Its methodology could be implemented anywhere, but to be sustainable it requires political
In terms of renewable energy sources a bottom-up
will and consequence. It is based on a business-based
approach was applied in Bottrop – decentralized
Research and Development approach but is imple-
energy systems in households/single buildings are
mented at the municipal level and for non-profit
integrated into a district and city network. Electric
motives: i.e. improving municipal development policy.
vehicles (cars, scooters) and car sharing initiatives were introduced for the inhabitants and the visitors
InnovationCity Ruhr is a citizen-facing project with
to improve public transport and environment-friendly
transparent participation schemes that enhance
mobility in the city. Installing LED street lighting,
co-determination and social participation in its
greening the façades and roofs of the buildings with
decision-making
climbing plants or living wall systems and utilizing
preceded by collecting 20,000 signatures of citizens
rainwater for street cleaning machines are the exam-
support to the InnovationCity idea. In 2013 work-
ples of small-scale green investments improving the
shops were held in the town so that the inhabitants
functionality of municipal infrastructure, as well as
could exchange their ideas and confront experts,
living conditions.
entrepreneurs and non-profit associations. Further-
processes.
The
initiative
was
more, it was also possible to submit suggestions and ideas on the Master plan online or via the local Centre for Information and Advice.
10 “You ask about the Master plan, we answer!”, InnovationCity Ruhr, Modellstadt Bottrop, www.icruhr.de/index.php?id=277&L=1
12
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
4. Greece, the empire of wind and sun Due to its unique geographical location Greece has a
the sector were lost. The country promised its inter-
great potential to succeed in energy transition. Solar
national lenders – the European Union, the Euro-
power granted by the climate and wind power avail-
pean Central Bank and the International Mone-
able thanks to the long coastline are good starting
tary Fund – that it would completely eliminate the
points. In terms of energy policy, however, Greece
deficit of the Renewable Energy Sources Fund by the
has not yet made much use of its assets. The country
end of 2014. The contribution of solar photo-voltaic
relies mostly on imported oil and national lignite
energy producers was the biggest of all renewable
sector – it is the 7th largest lignite producer in the
power producers. Moreover, already in 2011 a brave
world . The costs of energy are very high, as it has to
plan of constructing the world’s biggest solar farm,
be redistributed and transferred to the Greek islands
“Helios Project” (promising even 60,000 new jobs)
dependent on fossil fuel energy. Nearly two thirds of
was announced, however its realization was jeop-
domestic energy supply comes from abroad, which
ardized by deepening crisis14. For the same reason a
exceeds the EU average. Nevertheless, Greece has
great retrofitting project called “Building the Future”,
set an ambitious target to generate nearly 40% of its
launched in 2012 to renovate nearly 1 million build-
electricity production through renewables by 202012.
ings in Greece, was down-sized. Privatization is
11
among the anti-crisis measures that Greece agreed on with the European institutions. It should also apply
Greek energy policy in times of crisis
to Greek energy policy, but the investors are still not
Already in 2004 a pilot project was launched within
convinced to choose Greece as the country struggles
the bioclimatic challenge – the Greek School Build-
with budgetary control, austerity measures, cutting
ings Organization (SBO) decided to use renew-
subsidies, the incentives for developers of renewa-
able energy sources in school buildings by installing
bles, as well as volatile energy policy of succeeding
photo-voltaic systems13. A step was taken towards
governments.
diversifying the Greek energy market by liberalization and breaking the monopoly of the state-owned public power corporation. Unfortunately, lack of
Energy poverty
genuine consequence and power imbalances led to
One of the dramatic outcomes of the crisis was its
turbulence. First, huge investments in solar power
impact on the well-being of Greek households.
installations were made, as they proved the highest
Massive long-term unemployment raised the threat
rates of return. Then, due to the market overheating
of poverty for many Greek families. Spending on
combined with crisis strikes one third of the jobs in
energy needs lowered – it was estimated that three
11 “Lignite in the Greek energy system. Facts and challenges”, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Greece, Thessaloniki 2015, https://gr.boell.org/sites/default/files/hbsgr_ lignitis_lignite_2015.pdf 12 “Powering Growth in the Energy Sector”, Enterprise Greece S.A., The official Investment and Trade Promotion Agency of Greece, www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/default.asp?pid=48 13 Patargias P., Kalianou A., Galanis C., Vassilopoulou M., Drosou M., Protogeropoulos Ch., 2007, School Buildings in Greece: The Bioclimatic Challenge and a Photovoltaic Pilot Project, PEB Exchange 2007/9 , OECD, www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/download/5l4fl51n7f9v.pdf?expires=1450778426&id=id& accname=guest&checksum=C9000B779A6A68A5CC068AD44A31EA6B 14 Coats Ch. “What Happened To Greece’s Solar Surge”, Forbes, 17 May 2013, www.forbes.com/sites/christophercoats/2013/05/17/what-happened-togreeces-solar-surge
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
13
in five households fell below the energy poverty
The potential for growth
line15. Constant decreases in final energy consump-
Despite economic crisis, a large number of solar
tion can be observed from 2008 onwards – it dropped
panels were installed in the last few years. Moreover,
by 30% in total . Special social electricity tariffs and
77% of renewable energy in Greece is predicted to
limited free-of-charge electricity supplies were intro-
come from wind energy in 2020. There is also a great
duced to customers fulfilling the criteria (low income
number of geo-thermal resources in Greece that are
or special needs), but the data prove that numbers
not yet fully realized for national energy production
of unpaid bills rose dramatically in the years of crisis,
while hydro power is also undertilized. In terms of
posing a threat to the financial liquidity of Greek
waste management, landfill is the only waste treat-
public energy provider and thus adding to the crisis
ment practiced whereas urban waste-to-energy
of public finances in Greece17.
programs could provide electricity. Because of the
16
climate, heating is not the only concern of the Greek citizens. Cooling the premises in summer months is a challenge. Thus, energy efficiency and retrofitting could play an important role in improving housing conditions and lowering energy expenses.
15 “How to end Energy Poverty? Scrutinity of Current EU and Member States Instruments. Study for the ITRE Commitee”, Directorate General for Internal Policies, Policy Department A: Economic and Scientific Policy, IP/A/ITRE/2014-06 , PE 563.472, October 2015, p. 21, www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2015/563472/IPOL_BRI(2015)563472_EN.pdf; Grigoriou T., “Greek crisis: What the financial crash and years of austerity did to Greece’s energy”, Europe’s Carbon Conundrum, July 2015, http://energydesk.greenpeace.org/2015/07/02/comment-shell-and-us-arctic-drillingregulators-are-tooclose-for-comfort/ 16 Greece statistics, International Energy Agency, Policies and Measures, Renewable Energy, www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/renewableenergy/? country=Greece 17 Dagoumas A., Kitsios F., “Assesing the impact of economic crisis on energy poverty in Greece”, Sustainable Cities and Society, 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2014.02.004
14
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
5. Thessaloniki: a potential energy self sufficiency Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece and
The city of Thessaloniki seeks to launch effective
the capital of Central Makedonia region. The munic-
sustainable development policies at the local level.
ipality of Thessaloniki itself isn’t big, reaching only
It is a member of Energy Cities Network and was
ca. 350,000 inhabitants. The greater Urban Area of
chosen to join “100 resilient cities” project funded by
Thessaloniki consists of seven self-governing units
the Rockefeller Foundation.
(six municipalities and one community), which with a population of nearly 800,000 are a core of a
In 2006 the Association of Local Authorities of
greater Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area, the largest
Greater Thessaloniki launched a big waste manage-
urban area consisting of 14 units. With a popula-
ment project of a biogas power plant. Public elec-
tion reaching more than 1m inhabitants, this Metro-
tricity provider buys the energy and transfers it to
politan Area is commonly referred to as the city of
the national grid19. Despite a deep economic reces-
Thessaloniki.
sion and the volatile political situation at the national level, Thessaloniki continues to invest in green policy.
Local governments in Greece have less competences
A “Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan” (SUMP) was
to decide about issues important to the local commu-
launched to improve public transport, decrease car
nities, i.e. spatial planning, nature preservation, or
traffic and pollution emissions in the city20. Moreover,
social policy measures. They lack fiscal sovereignty
simulations prove that full exploitation of the wind
as well as autonomous local legislation asides from
and solar potential in the main Metropolitan Area
exceptional cases. A diverse status of Greek local
of Thessaloniki could comprehensively cover local
administration was granted by so called “Kallikratis
electricity needs21. The implementation of energy
Plan” – due to significant dispersion of settlement
transition in Thessaloniki could revitalize the local
structure, varying from low populated and spatially
economy: not only political will but also favorable
isolated islands to agglomeration regions of Athens
spatial and climate conditions could be effectively
and Thessaloniki18. These entities are granted more
utilized.
decision sovereignty and local competences.
18 Hlepas N. K., 2014, Struktur griechischer Kommunen, Kooperationsstelle beim Beauftragten für die Deutsch-Griechische Versammlung, Berlin 2014. 19 “Renewable Energy in Thessaloniki – Greater Thessaloniki, Greece”, Energie-Cités, 2008, www.energy-cities.eu/db/thessaloniki_575_en.pdf 20 Mourey Th., 2015, Monitoring and evaluation at the very core of Thessaloniki’s SUMP (Greece), European Platform on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, www.eltis.org/resources/videos/thessaloniki-sustainableurban-mobility-planning-times-crisis-greece#sthash.oSKdNuOV.dpuf 21 Nikolaou K., Koutsoumaraki V., “The potential of renewable energy sources in Thessaloniki metropolitan area”, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas – CERTH, Thessaloniki 2009, http://library.certh.gr/libfiles/PDF/EL-PAPYR-4778-THE-POTENTIAL-by-NIKOLAOU-in-3RD-SYN-PR-XHM-BA-THESS-2527-SEP-2009-PP-1-6.pdf
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
15
6. Bottrop – Thessaloniki Workshop A pilot project involving the municipalities of Bottrop
energy). In the second part, local municipalities were
and Thessaloniki was initiated by a multi-stake-
introduced with a special focus on implemented local
holder workshop, that took place in Berlin, on 11
energy policies and approaches to the challenges of
and 12 November, 2015, as part of the Advocate Europe idea challenge. The event hosted 35 participants: representatives of local authorities, organized civil society, the business sector and experts. The experiences of the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform, which are based on several years of Trialogs (a format for multi-stakeholder meetings), have shown that the inclusion and confrontation of a variety of perspectives, as well as the readiness of arguing in favor of commonly acceptable solutions, dissolves blockades and opens common corridors of win-win-solutions. A local approach has the big benefit of direct communication and has many positive outcomes for municipal investments of smaller scale energy transition projects: it allows planned enterprises to be more effective and customized as well as letting them feel a strong sense of ownership over their strategies and contributing to international partnerships that rebuild European integration.
energy transition. In the third part, based on newly gathered knowledge and exchanged experiences, simultaneous workshops started, discussing possible inspirations for Bottrop and Thessaloniki. The key stakeholders identified “good practice” examples to transfer knowledge between the communities – irrelevant of the country-specific setting and current economic situation.
The workshop was divided into three parts. The first session looked at possible approaches to stimulate local green growth. As the energy transition requires
6.1 Groupwork Results
infrastructural investments based on research and
The major results proved there are different dimen-
development activities, the key challenges of munici-
sions of energy transition at the local level. Improving
palities concern financing strategies. Therefore, two
living conditions in urban settlements through infrastructure modernization is the first. A necessity to develop integrated, systemic approach towards energy transition in terms of matching education and training systems with the challenges of rising “green” labor markets is another, more universal challenge.
presentations on financing options laid the foundation for discussions: a representative of the European Investment Bank presented potential opportunities of investment funding. Then the green business association of B.A.U.M. e.V. (Bundesdeutscher Arbeits kreis für Umweltbewusstes Management) introduced the “Regional Energy Efficiency Collectives” project (Regionale
EnergieEffizienz
Genossen schaften,
The general conclusion identified Energiewende as a
REEG) as an example of alternative energy transition
potential inspiration for local development strategies
financing model at the local level – focused on energy
in Europe. Moreover, it could serve as a model for
democracy and so called Bürgerenergie (citizens’
encouraging the citizens to engage and shape their
16
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
local environment in European trans-border coopera-
living standards due to crisis-related unemployment
tion. The idea of energy democracy and local activism
and stagnation, the positive outcomes of urban rede-
for common good purposes can be well developed
velopment inspired by the Bottrop model could be
within the framework of energy transition policies
multiplied by reducing social marginalization and
at the local level. Learning from the experiences of
stigmatization of notorious neighborhoods.
others is an added value. b) Promoting the REEG idea (Regional Cooperatives Launching energy transition projects can serve as a
for Energy Efficiency) in Thessaloniki
common platform for linking European municipali-
Germany has the highest percentage of registered
ties together. It has the capacity not only to develop
energy cooperatives in Europe. Their purpose is inde-
sustainable energy models, create jobs, but also
pendent and cheap energy production from renew-
improve understanding of the European Union’s
able energy sources at the local level. Energy co-ops
value. Such a successful collaboration could also be
are run by citizens mostly for their own needs. That
an example on a European scale for overcoming polit-
approach, however, ignored the energy efficiency
ical crisis through committing to a common cause at
measures. Thus, the popularity of energy co-ops
the local level. The workshop talks were held under
inspired B.A.U.M. to launch similar projects focused
Chatham House rules.
on retrofitting. Energy Cooperatives 2.0 are regional energy efficiency cooperatives (REEG) based on social
6.2 Possible fields of cooperation: good practice transfer
funding for retrofitting projects. In their framework, three financial instruments were launched: B.A.U.M. Future Funds (promoting the investments in energy
During the group-work activities the participants
efficiency in households); Energy Saving Contracting
identified possible paths of cooperation, focusing on
(providing energy saving equipment/techniques to
infrastructural development and the enhancement
reduce energy costs in households); and Social Busi-
of citizen participation in the local decision-making
ness Cooperatives (offering sub-ordinated loans
processes. The workshop proved there is political will
and investing in energy efficiency for customers).
to cooperate at the local level. Further possible coop-
Members get a fixed interest rate of return. Banks
eration plans were sketched:
are not needed to finance these projects, they are based on individual contributions within the coop-
a) Energy efficiency measures in public buildings in Thessaloniki
erative. In exchange, the customers receive 10% off the energy bills. Facing the crisis situation of distrust
Retrofitting does not only improve infrastructural
and instability in financial markets – as is happening
performance but also contributes to balancing public
in Greece – the self-governance and self-sufficiency
spending by significantly lowering the costs of main-
of co-ops could be a solution for many households
tenance. Energy efficiency measures could there-
to improve their financial and housing situations.
fore be introduced in public buildings of Thessaloniki
The REEG know-how would have to be adapted to
(hospitals, schools, municipal facilities and public
country specific level, however the overall idea of
transport) to improve the city’s budget. Moreover,
collective financing of joint investments for their own
energy efficiency measures could also be introduced
purposes would remain the same.
in housing areas (residential buildings), especially in non-privileged neighborhoods, where problems like
c) Study visits and networking
energy poverty often occur. In the poorer neighbor-
Local communities can help each other by trans-
hoods of Thessaloniki that suffer from aggravating
ferring knowledge and developing evidence-based
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
17
local policies. To support that process, further Greek-
young people. The awareness of green topics –
German Trialog workshops should be launched.
climate change and energy efficiency – is insuffi-
Through interactions between the communities and
cient. Green job opportunities coming from struc-
their stakeholders, and by planning and negotiating
tural changes are also not commonly recognized
local policies, the priorities of local energy transition
in social and economical terms. Career orienta-
schemes could be identified. Study visits of the Greek
tion is a very important aspect to make young
stakeholders to the chosen “good practice providers”
people aware that the green economy provides
in Germany and return visits of the German stake-
job opportunities – in both Greece and Germany.
holders to Greece should follow. Implementing a
Introducing young people to professions linked to
“hands-on” approach in planning investments can
energy transition, illustrated by the examples of
inspire the local stakeholders to develop the most
successful transformation (like in Bottrop) could
functional solutions with the lowest risks. Learning
change this.
about the challenges of renewable energy from each other could positively influence the final result of the
• “Living buildings”
project: knowledge transfer between the cities.
In Bottrop students learn how to retrofit buildings in a “hands-on” manner through exer-
d) Educational initiatives
cises in “Living buildings” – smart buildings with
• Awareness-raising
energy systems open for student practices. On the
Energy efficiency is not only about renovating
contrary, the Greek structures lack practical prep-
buildings. It refers to consumption patterns,
aration. A “Living building” – as an educational
motivating people to participate in projects and
tool for awareness-raising in general public and
bringing other stakeholders into the project to
for actual training – could be founded in Thessa-
take ownership. It’s important to bring different
loniki to serve the educational needs of schools
generations together as education is not only for
and universities. Explaining energy efficiency to
18
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
the public can be more successful with a tangible
There are high-quality universities and technical
example: an energy efficient hotel, school or other
colleges for engineers in Greece but these are not
public building open for demonstration.
complemented by appropriate vocational training programs. The “know-how” is there, but not when
• Vocational training
it comes to training craftspeople like electricians
In terms of vocational training a lot could be
or construction workers. Thus, trainers should be
learned from Bottrop and Germany, where the
trained and various involved institutions – like
dual education system complements theoret-
trade unions, companies, local authorities – should
ical training with practical experience in compa-
work together to create a network of internship
nies. There should be no false hopes, however, on
opportunities. Students could participate in voca-
implementing the dual education program outside
tional training projects by case study approach, i.e.
Germany. It has its own problems and it relies
giving retrofitting advice from house to house –
on cooperation between companies, employer’s
like it was done in Bottrop – or by joining study
associations and trade unions. The German system
visits to observe good practice examples in other
has some aspects that cannot be quickly exported.
cities and learn through the “hands-on” approach.
Instead, a complex system has to be developed in Greece – to address the Greek context specifically, instead of being a carelessly exported German system.
Growth Initiative: municipalities for a strong Europe / Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki / Workshop report
19
Conclusions Even though the two municipalities – Bottrop and
Implementing an energy transition model inspired
Thessaloniki – differ by size, geopolitical location and
by Bottrop in Thessaloniki is possible – but the budg-
historical paths of development, there is a certain
etary constraints at the national level are a barrier
similarity in terms of challenges they face. Just like
for local development. Thus, European intervention
Thessaloniki now, Bottrop was a city struggling with
is needed to reverse this course of events. The EU
economic crisis resulting from industrial transfor-
institutions could come up with a solution by acti-
mation and consequent social problems like unem-
vating the funds, e.g. from the Jean-Claude Juncker’s
ployment, risk of poverty, social marginalization,
Investment Plan for Europe or other tools of the
challenges related to influx of immigrants and their
European Investment Bank (EIB), to kick-start inno-
integration. Unlike Thessaloniki, however, it was a
vative investments in renewable energy sources and
small city, with few opportunities to invest. Thessa-
energy efficiency. This new industry branch could
loniki, just as in the whole of Greece, is currently also
serve the local community by improving living condi-
experiencing investments deficit due to the global
tions (ending energy poverty, retrofitting the housing
economic crisis: budgetary control over Greece, banks
estates, decreasing pollution), as well as providing
reluctance to take on risk, and finally the indebted
jobs and stimulating the local economy, what is very
public sector and austerity measures limiting public
much needed nowadays in Greece. The “fair transfor-
spending. Thus, in both cities developing employ-
mation” of Bottrop would also not have succeeded
ment opportunities, especially for young people is a
without the support of regional and national insti-
pressing problem.
tutions. There must be public funds involved to encourage investors to engage. Thus, seeking the
The university in Thessaloniki has a deep expertise
sympathy of the EIB to support low risk investments
on the topic of energy systems, however there are
is crucial.
problems with disseminating this knowledge and marketing the innovative solutions by finding investors. Vocational training programs are also insufficient. On the contrary, in Ruhrgebiet, there was no long tradition of academic research but making sustainability a common vision for the development resulted in redirecting public investments such as education and training to fit the new economic profile of the region. Since 2009 Bottrop is home to a university of applied science (Fachhochschule) focused on engineering, with a very strong commitment to vocational training, research and development, as well as cooperation with the business sector. Private capital to invest in projects had to be actively sought, bringing mutual benefits to the municipality, as well as the companies involved.
Contact: HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform gGmbH Pariser Platz 6 10117 Berlin Phone: +49 30 2007 6166 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.governance-platform.org Twitter: @4GGovernance
Author: Maria Skóra / Front cover graphic design: Michael Meissner / Photographs: Jens Schicke / January 2016, Berlin