Paving the Path for Collaborative Energy Transformation
Event Date: August, 2024
The General Assembly of the Association Energiestadt (European Energy Award) recently concluded with significant success, as over 100 participants gathered under the theme “Achieving More Together.” Hosted in the vibrant city of Yverdons-les-Bains the event highlighted the collective efforts required to address energy transformation challenges.
Key Takeaways from the Assembly
The assembly’s discussions revolved around the ongoing initiatives within the Association Energiestadt with a particular focus on participatory processes, time and financial management, and human resources. Participants explored how these elements can influence the successful implementation of energy policies at the regional and local level.
A citizens’ assembly for the climate
The Energiestadt Gold Yverdon-les-Bains, host of the General Assembly, has developed a tradition of participatory approaches. It involved the population by setting up a representative panel of randomly selected people in 2022: the Citizens’ Council for the Climate. For Brenda Tuosto, city councillor, participation is crucial: “The longer discussion period makes it possible to develop a common language and enrich the proposals.”
Participatory processes require time and financial and human resources. It must not degenerate into an alibi process. Fortunately, applied research in Switzerland is very committed to further developing and testing collaborative methods in the service of society.
2ISECAP Project: Bridging the Gap
The assembly was marked by a significant moment with the participation of the 2ISECAP Project (presented by Anastasia Ponomareva. HESSO). The project is considered an important initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation across the energy sector. It serves as a bridge, linking various energy stakeholders, fostering dialogue, and promoting the sharing of best practices. The project’s framework offers a collaborative platform that empowers regions to develop localized energy solutions that align with global sustainability goals.
Ponomareva, along with her colleagues, presented the latest developments within 2ISECAP, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach in the energy sector. The project’s methodology revolves around building strong partnerships and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
“A living lab aims to design solutions as part of a partnership between different stakeholders and in a real environment,” explained the Valais researcher. In supporting these projects, we have developed interactive tools such as the “Co-creation toolbox” and “E4Citizens” to facilitate collaboration between the city’s various stakeholders.” Other cities have since set up living labs, such as Winterthur (WinLab) and Lugano (L*3).
These experiences show how much the Energiestadt process can benefit from these instruments of citizen involvement and participatory planning, which bring about joint decisions and ultimately save time. Energy cities are predestined to become “living laboratories” of the energy transition.
