Energy in mountain areas Marie Guitton Project manager, Euromontana Brussels, 21 September 2011

What is Euromontana? European multisectoral association for cooperation and development of mountain areas (since 1996) Around 70 members from 15 countries Our vision: –Mountains are territories with a future and opportunities for Europe –We must build on our strengths to overcome our weaknesses

Our position on energy in mountain areas Developed in through a collaborative process involving our members → 9 recommandations to improve energy savings and the development of renewable energies in mountain areas

Where do we start from? Mountain areas have specific needs and constraints –Harsh climate → high energy consumption for heating –Physical constraints (slopes, climate), dispersion of population → difficulties and costs to build and maintain energy network ©Laurent Baratier © OT L.Galoppe

Mountains have assets: Great potential of renewable energy Where do we start from? Water Wind Biomass (wood) © Heikki Valve © Luis Miguel Bugallo Sanchez Sun Geothermal energy

Saw dust plant for district heating Vatra Dornei, RO - Collection of saw dusts from regional saw mills (40000t). - Production of 18 MWt: 2x6MWt with saw dust boilers + 6MWt with fuel boiler - Heating of 83 residential buildings of the city Actions and ambitions of mountain areas: some exemples

Reducing energy consumption in Trento, IT Focus on energy saving between 2000 and 2008: –Research on the use of local traditional materials –Development of relationships between businesses and research institutes –Construction of new buildings class B (consumption < 60 Kwh/m²), i.e. energy savings by 80% in comparison with previous standards Actions and ambitions of mountain areas: some exemples

Fairly compensating mountain areas for the use of their ressources – the Norwegian example Local municipalities are entitled to: Concession power: electricity at production costs Concession fees Business development fund The concession fees are: parts of the local value added compensation for damages and disadvantages, a kind of local “environmental fee/tax” Legislation adapted to pay respect to the local communities right to take part in the revenue from their own natural resources

Actions and ambitions of mountain areas: some exemples Ambitions to develop further renewable energy sources Natural Parc of Vercors (80 municipalities, about inhabitants, area of 186,000 ha). Today’s consumption: about 1 TWh, 45% provided by renewable energy. Latest developed objective: increasing renewable energy share to 55% in 2020 and 100% in 2050, by mainly developing wood-fuel energy

Conclusion Mountains can make a contribution, and are willing to do so Support needed at different levels: -Training and information -Certification: environmental certifications must include energy certification -Research and development of new technologies: local grids, energy storage See Euromontana position

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