A Renewable Energy Joint Strategy for the Implementation of Local Action Plans for Renewable Energy

As a baseline for the elaboration of useful instruments to increase the utilization of Renewable Energy in the cities, we present a Renewable Energy Joint Strategy (REJS), as proposed by the Partners of the European Project "Cities on Power". It constitutes a general guideline for public authorities on how to act to fulfil the provisions on Renewable Energy of the "Europe 2020 Strategy for growth and jobs" and on how to promote and make the best use of renewable energy. A REJS should face all needs of the different stake-holders and be able to offer a balanced approach to their satisfaction. Some preliminary activities made it possible to obtain a clear vision regarding to infrastructural, environmental and technological constrains and assess the potential of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) in the specific local areas. The REJS covers the three fundamentals of EU energy policy (sustainability, security of supply and competitiveness) and is consistent with the long-term EU decarbonisation scenarios. The REJS is detailed through the following issues: General policy approach, Financial support, Administrative procedures, RESs in distributed power production and Smart Grids, RESs in Heating and Cooling and electricity, Sustainability, Regional and international dimensions, Technology development, Participation.