Good practice exchange between Bottrop and Thessaloniki

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

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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.


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

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“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.


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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.

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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


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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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


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


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


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


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


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


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.


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