Participatory Process Protocol to Reinforce Energy Planning on Islands: A Knowledge Transfer in Spain

Abstract

European Union (EU) islands face vast challenges to cope with climate targets while handling complex stakeholders’ networks. This study aims to propose a Participatory Process Protocol to enhance the output of energy plans and projects through the effective engagement of local stakeholders. A knowledge transfer methodology is set to build on a successful experience of the Mediterranean port-cities of Málaga, Cádiz and Sète, now adapted into the case of European Union’s islands advancing with energy developments. First, a clustering analysis is carried out for inhabited islands, resulting in 4 clusters that serve as the classification for the calculation of energy transition Key Performance Indicators according to information received from 70 islands. Based on this, the original Protocol is restructured as a complement for the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan methodology, the one most adopted by European islands. Finally, how the Protocol might be implemented depending on the particularities of each cluster is discussed, as well as for the case of Spanish islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and La Palma). Specific suggestions and key recommendations for the implementation of the Participatory Process Protocol are mentioned, as an instrument that could raise strategic suggestions from stakeholders to enhance the results of decision-making processes.

Ten years of sustainable energy planning and management

“…The present article overarches several studies from the journal detailing more specific areas of the energy transition, where there is a notably a series of techno-economic studies, but also studies more relating to the planning and implementation of the energy transition. This incudes, e.g., Selvakkumaran and Ahlgren's work on local transition processes [31], Krog and coauthors' work on consumer involvement in district heating [32], Lybaek and Kjaer's work on the role of municipalities in the transition, and Del-Busto on participation in island transition [27].…”

“…Community ownership and local training are essential for maximizing benefits. Islands has been a recurring theme in the journal with previous work presented by Marczinkowski on including local conditions in energy islands planning [26], Del-Busto on participation [27], Meschede on the importance of weather data on the simulation of Gomora [28], and Ferreira developing renewable energy scenarios for the island of Santiago in Cape Verde [29].…”

Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environmental Systems and Smart Energy Systems

“…In the first article of the SDEWES special issue, Del-Busto & Mainar-Toledo [1] focus on European Union islands tackling climate change targets within a complex stakeholder arena. Based on experience from Málaga and Cádiz (both Spain) and Sète (France) the authors forward a suggested Participatory Process Protocol.…”

A simplified model to enhance SMEs’ investment in renewable energy sources in Ghana

“…Competition between existing firms depends largely on the extent to which direct competition adds value to the industry [23], [54]. Competition between firms results from distortions in the structure of the industry, i.e., structural factors such as many or the same competitors, low growth in the industry, high fixed or inventory costs, lack of differentiation or switching costs, high incremental capacity and a large number of competitors [24], [50]. In the renewable energy sector, fierce competition is driven by firm growth, the introduction of new products and the introduction of non-traditional products [25].…”