1. Case studies of local pilots
WP 4.2.3
Task No.D02 by EnerMaTec
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3. TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1 Adzeneta del Maestrazgo .....................................................................................6
1.1 Territory ......................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Population ..................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Energy ........................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Legislation and political initiatives in Energy.................................................. 8
1.5 SWOT - Analysis ......................................................................................... 10
2 Calimanesti-Caciulata .........................................................................................11
2.1 Geographical position .................................................................................. 11
2.2 Natural environment .................................................................................... 11
2.3 Use of land .................................................................................................. 12
2.4 Renewable Energy Use ............................................................................... 13
2.5 SWOT - Analysis ......................................................................................... 14
3 Keratea ...............................................................................................................15
3.1 Geographical, climatical position ................................................................. 15
3.2 Inhabitants and activities ............................................................................. 17
3.3 Rational use of energy................................................................................. 18
3.4 SWOT - Analysis ......................................................................................... 20
4 Nagypali ..............................................................................................................23
4.1 Renewable Energy Sources ........................................................................ 23
4.2 Rational Use of Energy................................................................................ 23
4.3 SWOT – Analysis ........................................................................................ 24
5 Nikiforos Dramas ................................................................................................25
5.1 Geography, climate ..................................................................................... 25
5.2 Inhabitants and activities ............................................................................. 26
5.3 Rational use of energy................................................................................. 27
5.4 SWOT - Analysis ......................................................................................... 28
6 Perkupa...............................................................................................................30
6.1 Renewable Energy Sources ........................................................................ 30
6.2 Rational Use of Energy................................................................................ 30
6.3 SWOT – Analysis ........................................................................................ 31
4. 7 Peyrelevade ........................................................................................................32
7.1 Territorial characteristics ............................................................................. 32
7.2 Inhabitants and activities ............................................................................. 33
7.3 Rational Use of Energy................................................................................ 34
7.4 Legislation and public policies ..................................................................... 35
7.5 SWOT – Analysis ........................................................................................ 36
8 Schladen .............................................................................................................37
8.1 Geographical position .................................................................................. 37
8.2 Natural environment .................................................................................... 37
8.3 Economy ..................................................................................................... 37
8.4 Energetic situation ....................................................................................... 38
8.5 SWOT – Analysis ........................................................................................ 39
9 Schoeningen .......................................................................................................40
9.1 Geographical position .................................................................................. 40
9.2 Natural environment .................................................................................... 40
9.3 Economy ..................................................................................................... 40
9.4 Energetic situation ....................................................................................... 41
9.5 SWOT – Analysis ........................................................................................ 42
10 St. Etienne de Lugdares .....................................................................................43
10.1 Geographical, climatical position .............................................................. 43
10.2 Inhabitants and activities .......................................................................... 43
10.3 Rational use of energy ............................................................................. 43
10.4 SWOT – Analysis ..................................................................................... 45
11 St. Jean d'Alcapiès..............................................................................................46
11.1 Geographical, climatical position .............................................................. 46
11.2 Inhabitants and activities .......................................................................... 47
11.3 Rational use of energy ............................................................................. 47
11.4 SWOT – Analysis ..................................................................................... 49
12 Tasca ..................................................................................................................51
12.1 Geographical position............................................................................... 51
12.2 Natural environment ................................................................................. 51
12.3 Use of land ............................................................................................... 51
12.4 Renewable Energy Use............................................................................ 52
12.5 SWOT – Analysis ..................................................................................... 55
6. 1 Adzeneta del Maestrazgo
1.1 Territory
1.1.1 Geographic situation
Adzeneta is a small population placed to the East of Spain, in the north of
Comunidad Valenciana region and in the Castellon province. It is at 47 kms from the
province capital, Castellón de la Plana (172.264 inhabitants in 2007)
The municipal territory it’s extended along 71 millions kms2. It limits with Les Useres,
Vistabella, Benafigos, La Vall d’Alba.
Adzeneta is placed in a valley to 410 m of altitude surrounded of medium level
mountains, like La Nevera (1.194 m) or Peñagolosa (1.800 m). Along the municipality
passes the Monlleó River with seasonal water only in winter with prolonged rainfall.
Adzaneta has 1.462 inhabitants, so 20,5 inhabitants/km2.
1.1.2 Natural surroundings
• Adzeneta it is placed in a valley at the foot of the Iberian System Mountains with
the Peñagolosa peak like highest regional peak and near from a Natural Park with
1.094 ha.
• La Cueva Oscura has one ha. and it is qualified like a SCI (Site of Community
Importante)
• Near Adzaneta we have a Municipal Interest Area regarding his cultural and
landscape value: the fortified convent knew like El Castell (the Castle, in
valencian language).
1.1.3 The uses of space (urbanization, forest, agriculture, tourism, protected
areas…)
The region is composed for several municipalities
The new constructions from 2005 have been increased by the city-planning growth.
Most of its land is forest (69%) and 20% of the agrarian land is unirrigated. The
irrigation areas dos not reach to 0,4%. The plot size is very low in the two types of
culture which makes them difficult to viability.
Regarding livestock, important element to define the population, there is a significant
livestock unit from pig farms with 2.200 pieces in small holdings and closed-loop
generally.
7. Tourism is another economic activity in the area since 1.999. Adzaneta has four
houses of rural tourism with thirty-four places and six restaurants with 372 places
together.
1.1.4 Natural resources for Energy
The lack of viability of actual corps and the prolonged effects of light and solar heat
have made the energy solar an attractive and interesting resource for this area.
In this moment, it’s only a project, but Adzaneta population wants to use the manures
and slurries to produce biogas after burning process to generate electricity. In both
cases it is energy to sell to general network electricity companies because they
aren’t, at the moment, the intention to consume it in the area.
Only there is some small installations in several small farms and isolated familiar
houses to use the solar heat like energy to own consume,
1.2 Population
1.2.1 Inhabitants
Actually, the population of Adzaneta is 1.462 inhabitants
The active population works generally in the services sector (35%), agriculture (23%)
and construction (11%). There is an important part of this population that must g oto
work in ceramic industries placed in L’Alcora, 28 km far from Adzaneta or to Sant
Joan de Moro, 32 km. far.
• Unemployment rate is 5,75% (6th June 2009).
• Active population rate is: 46,18% (2001)
The industry locates in the territory: one slaughterhouse, one flour mill, one olive
oil mill, one plywood factory and five construction companies.
1.2.2 Production and consumption of electrical energy
There are four photovoltaic plants placed in Adzaneta area: three with 1,5Mw and
one with 2Mw.
The power of the Adzaneta’s transformer, which offer the urban consumption, are
maximum from 400Kva each one. The medium daily consumption in Adzaneta is
about 2.700 Kw daily and the medium production plants are 3.350 Kw. So, Adzaneta
area is a self-sufficient territory with the advantage of being connected to the network
8. and overcome the deficiencies that will produce in cloudy days.
1.2.3 Services and Infrastructure
Adzaneta accumulates several regional services
• The Obligatory School
• The Health Ambulatory
• Day Centre for Senior People
• The Agrarian Cooperative
• Cooperative Supermarket (400 m2 )
1.3 Energy
1.3.1 Local political initiatives from rural area energy
They aren’t, at the moment, defined political strategies in relation with the Energy.
This is one of the subjects raised in the “Agenda 21” but it only a statement of intents.
The global economical interest to energy production with a photovoltaic system had
generated that the Town Council think about it like economical resource for the
community. Only during the last year in the province of Castellón it has gone from
producing 5.428 kw. to produce 38.121 kw. in 2008.
1.3.2 Electrical Energy Production and Consumption
1.4 Legislation and political initiatives in Energy
1.4.1 Public Initiatives
The Regional Government has a saving energy plan to decrease yearly by 1,1% the
energy intensity from Comunidad Valenciana Region
Decreasing the consumption
Improving the efficiency
Producing clean energy and lowering the dependence on fossil fuels.
Reduce the fossil fuels impact on the climate change.
1.4.2 Legislation
It is very difficult to be producers of energy in our rural areas not only for the high
level investment that is necessary but by the bureaucratic difficulties.
9. The general facilities to connect with the electrical network to evacuate the energy
produced in this area are very poor.
Actually there is a project to extend the power facilities so that, it is possible, to have
more possibilities to connect in the near future.
Since 2009 we have a low quota of support for photovoltaic soils facilities and, also, it
has lowed the KW price that have to review the feasibility studies
1.4.3 Public bonus to obtain electrical energy
The system established by their viability is selling network to 0.32 Kw euros and buy
to consumption for 0,14 Kw in emerging photovoltaic.
1.4.4 Communitarian Support
There are not clear support for the new strategies to collective energy production and
consumption.
The Public Valencian Energy Agency has a plan of support to enterprises and
productive sectors.
11. 2 Calimanesti-Caciulata
2.1 Geographical position
Călimăneşti is a small city located in the central-southern part of Romania, on
the right bank of the river Olt, in the sub-captahian depression Jilbea-Călimăneşti, at
an altitude of 260-280 m. At 18 km distance from the city of Râmnicu Vâlcea (the
administrative residence of Vâlcea County), Călimăneşti has a population of 8633
inhabitants. Since 1890, together with its nearest locality Căciulata, Călimăneşti is
known as the famous resort Călimăneşti-Căciulata, being considered „the pearl” of
the resorts on Olt.
2.2 Natural environment
Topographic data. Călimăneşti-Căciulata has an area of 10.632 ha, 264 of
which represent the intravillage.
Climate. Călimăneşti-Căciulata has a continental, temperate clime, without
sudden changes of temperature. The annual average temperature is 9.8ºC, the
average temperature of July is 20ºC and that of January is -1.5ºC. The annual
average of precipitations rate is 750-800 mm.
Hydrography. The main water course is the river Olt. The local feeders of Olt
are the small rivers Păuşa and Sălătrucul on the left side, Puturoasa, Căciulata
and Căldările on the right side.
Flora and fauna. The micro-climate of the resort offers the conditions for rich
flora and fauna. Almost half of the resort area is covered with forests: 13% evergreen
needleleaf forest and 87% deciduous broadleaf forests. We can find alpine and sub-
alpine plants, together with rare plants such as Fritillaria orientalis and Leontopodium
alpinum. Fauna includes deers, Carpathian bears, wood grouses, hawks. On Nărutu
one can see the chamois and a lot of singing birds, vipers and snakes, as well as
Mediterranean species as the scorpion and the migratory locust. The pass of Olt,
which is part of the National Park Cozia, is a corridor for the migration of birds toward
Europe.
Geomorphological data. The touristic resources in Călimăneşti-Căciulata
and surroundings are represented by:
Cozia Mountains. Situated in the south-western part of Făgăraş Mountains,
these mountains present anthropomorphic shapes such as: Cozia’s Sphinx,
The Bear, The Pharaoh. Cozia edge has the maximum altitude, 1660 m.
CăpăŃânii Mountains. From NăruŃiu (1.550 m high in Cârligele Olăneştilor) start
several short chains with the edges: Sturii (1.380 m), Foarfeca (857 m), Plaiul
Lotrişorului (876 m), Vârful Olăneştilor (1.416 m), Dosul Pământului (1.219 m),
Fruntea lui Dat (1.1.79 m).
12. 2.3 Use of land
Tourism.
Cozia Monastery, UNESCO monument, is the oldest and the most important
architectural and art monument in the southern Romanian. Build between 1387-1388
on the place of an old cult building, the monastery had remained the most beautiful
foundation of Mircea cel Batrân, whose portrait and tomb is here. Constantin
Brâncoveanu, who adored Cozia, added a beautiful stone porch. Also, he has built a
chapel, a well and a watch tower with a great view over Olt valley. In the watch tower
there is now a museum with old printings, icons and embroideries. During the time,
the walls, like those of a fortress, protected the people who got here during the wars
and attacks. So it was in 1739 when the Turks, in war with the Austrians, have
arrived to the gates of the monastery.
Turnu Monastery is an old monastic place, neighbouring the Roman camp
Arutela, a rock stone called “The table of Traian” and the thermal waters at Bivolari.
Schitu Ostrov, made by Neagoe Basarab between 1518-1522 is situated on an
island in the middle of Olt, where a park with 50 species of trees exists.
Mânăstirea Cornetu and Mânăstirea Stânişoara can also be visited around.
Due to the rich resources in Călimăneşti-Căciulata and surroundings, the
following tourism forms have developed:
Balneary tourism. During the whole year, due to the protective climate and to
the springs (discovered in 1827). There are sulphourous, clorate, brom,
calcium, magnezian weaters, with various chemical compositions and
temperatures: nonthermal, mezothermal (41° and hiperthermal (49.5°
C) C).
They say that Napoleon was treated with waters brought from Călimăneşti-
Căciulata. Also, king Franz Joseph of Austria benefit from this resort.
Mountainous tourism. There are several lines that can be accessed by those
who love mountains: Căciulata - Păuşa - Dealul Păuşa – Curmătura La TroiŃă
- Poiana Stânişoarei -Muchia Vlădesei - Muntele Durduc; Căciulata - Cozia -
Poiana Bivolari - Stâna La MuşeŃel - Curmătura La TroiŃă - Poiana Stânişoarei.
Traveling/transit tourism. Due to the placement of Călimăneşti-Căciulata on
the European road E81 (Halmeu-Satu Mare-Cluj Napoca -Sebeş - Sibiu -
Piteşti - Bucureşti), that connects the northern-west part of Romania with its
capital, Bucharest.
Nautic tourism.
Hunting and fishing tourism.
Cultural and pilgrimage tourism.
Weekend tourism.
Leasure tourism.
Business tourism.
Natural reservations. The Cozia National Park has around 17.100 ha and a
specific collection of geological and biological resources.
13. Industry. The basic industry of the town is that of balneary tourism.
Completing the income from agriculture cannot cover the neccesities of a family. The
areas are small enough, so this source cannot lead to an improvement of the life.
Infrastructure. In order to sustain the touristic infrastructure of the resort,
serveral projects have been proposed. Some of them are already at the government,
in order to receive funds.
Among them, two projects intend to change the face of the resort. One of them
refers to the building of a „Northern Oltenia Conventions and Exhibitions Centre”, that
will gather exhibition and conference halls.
2.4 Renewable Energy Use
The geographic area of Călimăneşti pilot community has an important potential of
geothermal energy. There are 3 systems that exploit geothermal waters, capturing them at a
depth of 3000 m and at a temperature of 90-950C. Afterwards, the water is distributed to
hotels, administrative buildings and around 700 apartments, in order to ensure thermal energy.
The three energetic drills are placed on the right bank of river Olt, at a distance of 1-1,2
km far from each other, between the resort Călimăneşti, up to the exit from Căciulata resort,
towards Cozia Monastery:
- Drill 1006 Căciulata has a flow (artesian) capacity of 9,4 l/s (33,8 m3/h) and a
temerature of 96° C;
- Drill 1008 Cozia has a flow (artesian) capacity of 23 l/s (82,8 m3/h) and a
temerature of 92° C;
- Drill 1009 Călimăneşti has a flow (artesian) capacity of 18 l/s (64,8 m3/h) and a
temerature of 92° C.
The three drills, with a total capacity of 50,4 l/s ensure a thermal potential calculated as
13,24 MWt. Considering a medium rated capacity of the system around 55 - 60 %, the useful
final resulting energy is at 301.835 GJ/year.
Until 2002, the small town Călimăneşti (with 8500 inhabitants), placed at about 1,2 km
away from the location of the drill 1009 (the last built after 1990) did not benefit of the
geothermal water as an energetic agent, the water being exploited only locally, in the
neighboring resorts.
The solution to put good use of the geothermal water was conceived to solve, mainly, an
acute lack of heat for urban consumers in Călimăneşti. This deficit came from an inefficient
(and, therefore, very expensive) functionality of the old thermal power stations. In order to
improve the efficiency of the exploitation of the geothermal resource, the local council
intends to replace the pipes of the secondary line of the thermal distribution network with
materials having high isolation properties.
15. 3 Keratea
3.1 Geographical, climatical position
Situation: Central Greece, Attica region, South-East department of Attica, known as
Layreotiki. Layreotiki
Mean Altitude: The seat of Municipality is found in its north-west part in height of
200 metres from the surface of the sea, between mountain Paneio or Pani (altitude
648 m. in the place Keratoboyni) and the elevation Fanari (or Fanosi, 313 m.).
Area: The total extent of the Municipality of Keratea is roughly 12.900 hectares (129
square kilometres approximately).
Inhabitants: 13.246 inhabitants (2001 census).
Population density:
Biggest city close to Keratea: Keratea lies about 41km South-East from Athens
Surroundings environment: Keratea consists of 58 settlements. The Municipality
occupies ground that is basically mountainous in all its extent. The total length of
Keratea's coastlines is 21 Km. The older archaeological discoveries which testify the
existence of people in the region of Keratea are dated from the Mycenean era (1600-
1100 BC). Up until the last few decades, Keratea was mainly an agricultural region,
but nowadays it is developing a strong service industry as it belongs to the Greater
Athens Metropolitan Area. Its location along axons on new Attica road, and its
proximity to the new Athens airport aswell as the important harbour of Lavrion, is
creating many socioeconomic and employment opportunities for Keratea. A part of
the population is still rural.
3.1.1 Land use.
The region of Keratea with a total
area of 12,900 ha during 1985
includes cultivated land and
fallow (3,400 ha), 7,000 ha
pastures, forests 2,200 ha,
settlements and facilities 600 ha
and areas with water or other
uses of 200 ha.
By 1985 the decline in agricultural
land is 4 times greater than the
decline suffered in the country.
On the contrary the surface of the Illustration 1: Satelit vue of Keratea,
residential areas grow. Source: Google Earth
Particular rural area inundated by
scattered buildings, whose very
low density is not sufficient to bring the character of the village.
16. 3.1.2 Resources for energy
Natural gas grid
From the area, then main gas pipeline is passing with a length of about 14Km in
order to feed the Public Power Corporation Plant near Lavrio.
CRES wind park
The Greek Centre for Renewable Energy Sources (CRES) has developed its own 3
MW demonstration wind farm. The wind farm of CRES is situated in Lavreotiki, SE
Attica (Municipality of Keratea), adjacent to its older wind turbine Test Station. It
operates in a complex terrain site including hills up to 120m high above sea level and
coastal regions. The total budget for the project was 4.12 M€ and was wholly
financed by the Operational Programme for Energy of the Greek Ministry of
Development. The annual income from electricity sales amounts to 440 k€. With an
annual mean wind speed of 6.7m/sec at the site, it is expected that the five wind
turbines will produce 7.6 GWh of electricity per year, which is equivalent to 2000 TOE
and 6,000 tons of CO2.
Resources for energy
- Strong sun shining and wind potential in some cases
- Low capacity for small hydro plants
The area has a potential for RES and ES applications like PV installations, bioclimatic
design applications, sustainable development initiatives.
17. 3.2 Inhabitants and activities
The following diagram shows the evolution of the population in Keratea Municipality
during the period 1991-2001.
13246
14000
12000 9715
10000
6620 6626
8000
4821 4894
6000
4000
2000
0
Σύνολο Αρρένες Θήλεις
1991 2001
Data Source: General Secretariat of the National Statistical Services of Greece
The main feature of the Region of Attica is the movement of the employment to the
tertiary sector. Similar trends occur in the Municipality of Keratea as the economically
active population is mainly concentrated in the tertiary sector (from 57.7% in 1991
increased to 60.82% in 2001).
The economically active population which concentrated in the primary sector is
4.34% of the total population for the year 2001. This rate is higher than in the Region
of Attica (1.28%), while showing a decrease compared with 1991 figures (6.50 in
1991).
In the secondary sector involved 34.26% of the economically active population. Over
time, a reduction of the participation of the population in the secondary sector occurs
and from 35.42% in 1991, fell to 34.26% in 2001. The same phenomenon occurs in
Attica Region too (from 23.79% in 1991 to 22.15% in 2001).
18. Finally, the tertiary sector showing the largest percentage of economically active
population of the municipality of Keratea. Over time, employment in the tertiary sector
in the municipality Keratea rise from 57.70% in 1991 to 60.82% in 2001. The upward
trend in the Municipality (3.12%) can be easily explained by the growth that occurs at
the regional level, which is around 1.65% at the same period.
The following diagram shows the evolution of the employment in Keratea Municipality
during the period 1991-2001.
70% 57,70% 60,82%
60%
50% 35,42% 34,26%
40%
30%
6,50% 4,34%
20%
10%
0%
Primary Secondary Tertiary
1991 2001
Data Source: General Secretariat of the National Statistical Services of Greece
3.3 Rational use of energy
Municipality of Keratea wants to work further to the direction of energy saving and
energy production from RES and it is still in the beginning of undertaking such
actions. The regional action plan in Keratea will focus mainly on RES, Energy Saving
applications and Energy Efficiency (e.g PV installations and autonomous electricity
producers using RES, Energy Saving in the Industrial, tertiary sector, public
buildings).
3.3.1 Mobilization of the population
The Municipality of KERATEA and its representatives know every actor at a local
level and have “access” and support to/from them (eg. Citizens/householders,
schools, farmers, SME’s, enterprises, energy policy makers, RES developers, market
actors, investors, technology providers, energy companies, NGO’s etc). CRES as the
Greek National Energy Centre will support the Municipality with its networks at a
local, regional and National level.
19. During the first project stages the different type of stakeholders will be identified
mainly by the Municipality of KERATEA with CRES support. Stakeholders
mobilization will be achieved with the involvement of the stakeholders from the very
beginning through regular communication, exchange of ideas, knowledge and
motivation and meetings at local level.
Moreover, a local Energy-day will be organized to gather and inform the
stakeholders. During the first months of the project implementation the exactly time of
the Energy-day will be decided and the number and place of meetings will be
determined by CRES and Municipality representatives
Till now there is no specific mobilization of the population.
3.3.2 Legal framework and public policies
In Greece like in the most other OECD countries the energy sector is one of the most
dynamic and important of the economy. Beyond that, the production, consumption
and general the energy management at national level has become one of the most
prominent issues of our times.
Even though many of the market reform laws required by the EU are now in place,
the market power of the incumbent energy suppliers still continues to restrict
competition. Unless this issue is addressed, a fully competitive energy market is
inconceivable and the potential benefits that consumers could derive will be
significantly diminished. Of particular concern are the arrangements for ownership of
the electricity and gas transmission systems.
Another challenge is the rise in CO2 emissions. As the country’s energy needs are
increasing, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are already very close to the 2010
Kyoto target of 25% above 1990 levels (+23.5% in 2003).
Lignite, the main domestic fossil fuel resource of Greece, will continue to play a major
role in the country’s fuel mix in the future. Greek renewables development is
positively affected by the country’s very good resource potential. Greece’s primary
development in new renewables is in the wind sector, but care has been taken to
ensure that other renewable sources are developed where they provide an
economical alternative (provisions of the new Law 3438/2006).
A serious barrier encountered by renewables development in the past was a long
licensing process of at least two to three years, tackled by the new law on
renewables. The new law for the promotion of electricity production from RES was
passed in Parliament in June 2006. The new regulatory framework provides for a
simplified licensing procedure for the installation and operation of RES systems, a
20. new set of prices for electricity produced from RES, with increased prices for power
generated by photovoltaic and solar systems.
Furthermore, The Greek Minister of Development, on 4th of June 2009, signed the
Joint Ministerial Decision for the free PV installation projects till 10 KWp, in houses
and business buildings. The program will be last till December 2019 and the owner of
the building will shell the excess electricity to the grid in a higher price than he pays
for each KWh
Programme “EXOIKONOMO” (SAVE). The programme refers to the improvement of
energy efficiency in municipal plants, is a 100-million-euro energy saving programme
to be implemented in 228 municipalities nationwide, with a population of over 10,000
people each
3.4 SWOT - Analysis
In the framework of the “OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME OF KERATEA
MUNICIPALITY” the SWOT analysis was applied in order to identify in the fist stage
the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the region. This analysis is
valuable for the purposes of RURENER project as it can be the basis for further
evolution.
SWOT analysis for Natural Sources - Energy
Thematic area: Environment and Quality of Life
Topic: Natural sources - Energy
Strengths Weaknesses
• Presence of significant ecological • Low use and penetration of RES
sites (beaches, hills) and ES in the Municipal buildings
and cars.
• Good soil quality in the area
• wastage of drinking water for local
• Public Power Corporation Plant
irrigation of green spaces
• Pass of the main gas pipeline
• Adequacy of drinking water
through the area
especially during the summer
• Existing recycling programmes months
• Composting porgrammes under • Forest fires
preparation
• Pressure to the ecosystems due to
• Public acceptance and arbitrary construction
participation in the recycling
• dramatic reduction of agricultural
21. programmes land
Opportunities Threats
• Use of RES in several applications • Forest areas burns for nwe
(PVs). housing purposes
• Use of natural gas in all the • Sea pollution from the sewage
settlements disposal of the setlements
• Hills reforestation • Declining of the agricultural land
• Use of bioclimatic design
Crucial issues of local development
1. Restoration of the river banks vegetation
2. Reforestation
3. Forest protection form fires
4. Water recycling
5. Drinking water management
6. Use of RES
7. Energy Saving
8. Conservation of the agricultural land with adaptation of best
available techniques
9. Building regulations and building in already urbanized settlements
10. Necessity for environmental awareness – education of the public in
the meaning of energy saving, bioclimatic design and sustainable
development.
23. 4 Nagypali
Population: 380 inhabitants
Area: 6,28 km2
Nagypáli is situated in Zala County, 8 km away from Zalaegerszeg. It can be found
between the Kemeneshát and the Middle-Zala Hill, North side of Zala River.
Nagypáli is currently developing a new modern housing estate with 95 new sites.
This will help to support a younger population and create the opportunity to double
the number of inhabitants within a few years.
The village has an active civil society with many groups engaging in cultural and
social activities that enrich community life for residents.
4.1 Renewable Energy Sources
Existing detailed plans for a biomass power station, Innovation Ecocentre for
renewable energy sources with working solar system, pellet heating system,
geothermal system for heating and cooling, wind rotor, to propagate RES
technologies. Activities of the Ecocentre are: organization of how-to training,
conferences, development of a best-practice book about renewable energy projects,
creation of a regional energy concept and development plan.
Plans to the future: to build a biomass and biogas power station, that will create an
independent energy supply. Six companies are ready to manage the RES business
activities in the village. One of them is going to establish a pellet making plant and
energy plantation on 600 ha area.
4.2 Rational Use of Energy
Realized heating reconstruction of the municipality buildings (the community house,
the shop and the health centre).This new heating system consists of a solar
technology and a wood gas heating system, called ATMOS. This technology is really
cost and energy efficient.
Plans to the future: Climatisation system using solar system. Organization of
conferences, exhibitions, forums in the Innovation Ecocentre for renewable energy
resources
24. 4.3 SWOT – Analysis
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
- RES potential (solar energy, - lack of financial support
biomass) - Insufficient infrastructure for
- High value of natural heritage, RES use
favouring the development of - No feed-in-law for thermal
clean energies applications
- Research & Development in - Energy efficiency in buildings
RES issues in not an obligation yet
- Existence of energy market - Absence of TOR for the
- Existence of Energy construction of the building
management Agency - Low public awareness
(Innovation Ecocentre) - Low sensitiveness to energy
- Existing working solar system, saving
pellet heating system,
geothermal system for heating
and cooling, wind rotor, to
propagate RES technologies
- Acquaintance in RES policy and
opportunities
- Prompt mayor
- Active participating in getting
funds
- Existing data regarding RES
consumption
- Existing energy strategy
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
- Funds to invest in clean - Bureaucracy
technologies - Excessive dependency on
- Secured tariff for RES electricity fossil fuels
- Private investors - Unwillingness to changes
- Country commitments - Lack of capacity and
- Subsidies – incentives resources at regional and local
- Liberalization of electricity level
market - Reactions and suspicious to
- Suitable climate for bioclimatic RES applications
applications
- Existence of areas suitable of
taking measures
25. 5 Nikiforos Dramas
5.1 Geography, climate
Location: Northern Greece, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Prefecture of
Drama
Altitude: Ranges between 250m in the villages to 1260 m in the mountains of the
municipality’s territory borders.
Area: 243.81 km²
Population: 3.821 inhabitants, who live in the area throughout the year
Population Density: 15.67 habitants/ km²
Biggest city close to Nikiforos: The city of Drama with 40.000 inhabitants (2001)
located 16 km west of the Nikiforos village.
The Nikiforos municipality land is characterized as mountainous at about 43% of it
and semi-mountainous at the remaining 57%. The landscape of the area is
dominated by a semi-mountainous
strip of land enclosed by two mountain
massifs. The mountain area’s relief is
rough with steep slopes mainly due to
the presence of marbles dominating
this land of the municipality. On the
contrary, the relief of the lowlands
consists of low hills with mild slopes,
as a result of the underlying
sedimentary rocks, which are easily
eroded. Interrupted aquifers are
deployed only at the surface eroded
part of the area and this makes their
potential exploitation difficult. In terms
of the area’s vegetation, three zones
are distinguished; the typical low
elevation Mediterranean vegetation of Illustration 2: Satelitte view of the Nikiforos
macquis and garrigue, the thermophilic municipality: main village
deciduous oaks and the oro-
Mediterranean vegetation zone with
beaches and firs as the main tree species.
5.1.1 Land use
The Nikiforos municipality consists of five villages: Nikiforos, Andriani, Ano Pixari,
Platanias, Platanovrisi, Ptelea and Ipsili Rachi.
Most of the non-urbanised space is used for wheat crops, vineyards, olive groves
and mainly animal breeding. A natural attraction of the area for mountaineering is a
26. gorge at the crossing of two local torrents and a small zoo near the Platanias plane
forest.
The land use distribution of the Nikiforos Municipality includes rangelands (70.5%),
agricultural land (15%), forest land (10.36%), residential land (0.8%), public buildings
(1.27%), industrial land (0.1%) and mines (1%).
The community is connected to electricity network, but not to gas network.
5.1.2 Natural resources for energy
The main RES of the area are: i) solar radiation, ii) wind energy, iii) energy crops and
iv) biomass.
A wind farm of total power 19.8 MW is already under construction near the village of
Andriani, as a result of the cooperation between a private company (IKTINOS
HELLAS S.A) and the Municipality of Nikiforos. It consists of 11 wind generators
and it is expected when finished at the end of 2009 to produce 57 GW. This is
equivalent to saving 44.000 tn of CO2 emissions, that is as much as it could be saved
by a forest of 6000 ha with 3300000 trees. This wind farm in full operation will cover
the annual electricity consumption of about 11000 households.
Two more wind farm investments are in the process of obtaining the required
licenses and their construction will soon begin.
5.2 Inhabitants and activities
There are 1583 households in the municipality of Nikiforos. Its total population
increased from 3.350 inhabitants in 1991 to 3819 in 2001, that is, by 14%. Males
constitute 48.8% of the total population and females 51.2%.
Most of the inhabitants (45.89%) work in primary sector of economy, 25.61% in the
secondary sector and 28.5% are occupied in the tertiary sector of economy.
The unemployment rate in the municipality of Nikiforos is near 14%.
Livestock is very important activity in the area. The total number of cattle, pigs and
sheep rises to 20,978. There are also 2.000 beehives and 59 horses.
The total number of agricultural holdings recorded in the area rises to 417.
Oregano, tea, seeds and ornamental branches are some of the non wood forest
products that are produced in the Nikiforos municipality.
There are 17 schools in total (kindergarten, primary schools and high school) in the
area.
27. 5.3 Rational use of energy
Although energy is among the three top priorities for the mayor of the Nikiforos
municipality, Mr. Georgios Kariotis, no concrete energy policy plan has been
developed for the municipality. However, some actions Mr. Kariotis is pursuing
indicate his interest to develop soon such a plan. He has granted permission for
installation of photovoltaic plants in communal land and he is also considering
installing photovoltaic plants in a municipal building opposite the town hall in order to
cover the Municipal buildings energy needs. The mayor although he enjoys good
social acceptability for the wind farm construction permits in the area, he believes
that the population should become more aware of energy saving and renewable
energy production. He is also interested in exploring possibilities for biomass energy
production and energy production from residues and garbage.
The 2008 energy consumption in the Municipality of Nikiforos was recorded equal to
19,347,012 kWh, which was distributed as follows:
• Residential: 8,864,800 kWh (45.82% of the total consumption)
• Commercial: 2,990,400 kWh (15.46% of the total consumption)
• Industrial: 720,000 kWh (3.72% of the total consumption)
• Public buildings: 141,812 kWh (0.73% of the total consumption)
• Agriculture: 6,630,000 kWh (34.27% of the total consumption)
The total cost for the above energy consumption was calculated equal to €1,987,624.
The mean consumption for the households is close to 2066.38 kWh/ inhabitant/year.
The 2008 fuel consumption in the public sector was close to 21,960L (both for heat
and vehicles) and the petrol consumption was 10,623.51L.
There are no data for energy used for transport, wood for fireplace and bottle gas.
Mobilization of the population
Several farmers in the area have already have changed their food crops to energy
crops and it seems that this trend is increasing.
Legal framework and public policies
There is still too much bureaucracy for renewable energy production and lack of
incentives at the local level. Recently specific measures and incentives mainly for
photovoltaic installations targeted to natural persons and small enterprises were
announced by the Minister of Development. But, the results of these measures will
be evaluated in the longer run. Some energy saving programs were also run for
Municipalities, but the urban ones. There is still much to be done in the legal
framework to stimulate initiatives for the small rural Municipalities.
28. 5.4 SWOT - Analysis
SWOT Analysis Template
Municipality of Nikiforos Drmas
INTERNAL
Strengths Weaknesses
1. RES potential 1. Absence of a local Energy Plan
-Solar radiation 2. Insufficient infrastructure for RES
use (eg. Injection of Biomethane into
- wind energy
the natural gas grid)
-biomass
3. Few RES/ES/RUE applications in
-residues the area
-garbage 4. Low public awareness
2. Energy crops 5. No incentives at a local level
6. No feed-in-law for thermal
P applications N
O E
S G
I A
Opportunities Threats
T T
I I
1. Existence of areas suitable of 1. Lack of capacity and resources at
V regional and local level V
taking measures
E 2. Bureaucracy E
2. Suitable climate for bioclimatic
applications
3. Private investors
4. Liberalization of electricity market
5. Subsidies – incentives
EXTERNAL
30. 6 Perkupa
Population: 941 inhabitants
Area: 1940 ha
Perkupa is situated in the northern part of Hungary, in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén
County, 10 km away from the Slovakian border, in the valley of the Bódva river.
The traditional economical activities of the inhabitants are connected with agriculture,
animal breeding and forestry. The most important mineral resources in this area are
chalk-stone and gypsum. There was a gypsum mine and a mill functioning up until
1990, then a marble and band-stone factory operated up until 2008.
6.1 Renewable Energy Sources
Existing plans to build an air-conditioner and a heat-pump assembling factory. The
high-priced heating with gas is a big problem for inhabitants with low solvency,
because of high unemployment
Plans to the future: Proceeding biomass for solid fuel and modernising the heating
system of public buildings
6.2 Rational Use of Energy
Preparation of projects and initiatives based on the utilisation of RES and creation of
new work opportunities related to these activities
Plans to the future: Collecting the solid biomass produced in the neighbourhood and
using it within the heating system of governmental buildings instead of gas
31. 6.3 SWOT – Analysis
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
- RES potential (biomass) - lack of financial support
- High value of natural heritage, - No feed-in-law for thermal
favouring the development of applications
clean energies - Absence of TOR for the
- Research & Development in construction of the building
RES issues - Energy efficiency in buildings
- Promotion of RES investments in not an obligation yet
(Plans of air-conditioner and a - Insufficient infrastructure for
heat-pump assembling factory) RES use
- Ambitious mayor - Low public awareness
-
- Low sensitiveness to energy
saving
- Few RES/ES/RUE
applications in the area
- No incentives at a local level
- Absence of a local Energy
Plan
- Lack of RES recourses
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
- Funds to invest in clean - Bureaucracy
technologies - Excessive dependency on
- Secured tariff for RES electricity fossil fuels
- Private investors - Reactions and suspicious to
- Country commitments RES applications
- Subsidies – incentives - Unwillingness to changes
- Liberalization of electricity - Lack of capacity and
market resources at regional and local
- Suitable climate for bioclimatic level
applications
- Existence of areas suitable of
taking measures
32. 7 Peyrelevade
7.1 Territorial characteristics
Peyrelevade is situated in Corrèze department in the Limousin Region, centre of
France. At more than 800 m high are living 859 inhabitants on an of 6,6 km². (12,9
inhab/km²)
The municipality is part of a joint community with 6 other municipality leading to 2259
inhabitants totally
The closest urban center is Ussel (11448 inhabitants in 2004), situated in the South-
East, 37 km far (40 minutes)
Natural environment is of high quality as situated on the Millevache plateau, natural
regional Park with exceptional fauna and flora.
Climate is mixed oceanic and continental. Winter is cold with snow, summer is soft.
The average daily temperature 8° with a high level of pluviometry : 1550 mm
C
annually.
Sunshining is evaluated at an average of 1665 hours/year when south-oriented.
Landscape is soft, characterized by open spaces, hills and meadows, while the forest
(mainly conifers) is getting more and more important since agriculture declined.
Peyrelevade municipality is
fragmented with one main settlement
and around 20 small hamlets.
New parcels should be urbanised as
housing is tackled as one of the most
crucial issues for the municipality. A
new rest-home for elders should be
built as well as a medical house
gathering together all the medical
professionals.
The whole Millevache Plateau is
under protection Natura 2000 and
under status of Regional Natural
Park. Major rare species live there.
Il
lustration 3: Vue satellite de la commune : village
principal
Natural resources available for energy
Pierre Coutaud, Mayor of Peyrelevade feels that the resource in wood, sunshining
and building isolation are the main issues to be tackled, convinced that the high level
of environment is a chance for setting up a energy strategy.
33. Energie pour demain "energy for tomorrow", local association tells that 1/3 of the
population is using wood for heating and it is a huge potential for economic
development too.
Highly windy, the Millevache Plateau is a good place for wind farms as illustrated by
6 machines on the community.
7.2 Inhabitants and activities
Census 1990 : 1012
Census 1999 : 830
Last census (2006) 859
Number of households 579
People live mainly in individual houses, among which 1/3 is used as second home,
and this part is increasing.
Around 10% of the population comes from foreign countries.
Unemployment rate was 8,2 in 2004 against 10,7 in 1999, while the part of retired
people is increasing (from 25% in 1999 to 35% in 2004)
The main employer is the socio-educative center dedicated to disabled children,
whose salaries mostly live outside the municipality, having difficulties to find jobs for
the spouse.
25 enterprises are identified in the primary sector, mainly as cattle and sheep
breading. 16 enterprises are specialized on forest exploitation.
The second sector is artisans for buildings, while there are several small shops in the
village. But most of the active population is working in the neighbouring towns, Ussel,
Egletons, Aubusson, Bourganeuf... The joint municipality is leading a project of local
medical house which whould be with renewable energies.
A crèche, elementary school (with lunch service), a library and a rest-home for elders
are set-up in the village. The postal service still keep an office although it is regularly
questionned by the private company because of the low activity.
Tourism and leisure activities are well developed : screening sessions, hiking, fishing,
tennis and golf in the neighbouring community. In terms of accomodation, a hotel, a
camping and an old holiday resort welcome tourists.The closest rail station is 24 km
far while the first airport is 50 km (1h) far.
34. 7.3 Rational Use of Energy
Peyrelevade has started a program withe regional authority and national energy
agency (ADEME) wich objective is "energy : -20%". It is listed as a major opportunity
presented by the mayor, Pierre Coutaud who identified the existing private and public
building renovation as the main priority. He still have to get a clear vision of who is
consumming more energy between housing, agriculture, transports, and enterprises.
After energy issues, the problems tackled by Mr Coutaud are housing, economic
development and development of services. Energy is thus a strategy to develop such
activities, as well as a global policy on sustainable development thanks to a starting
"agenda 21" (french methodoloy for sustainable planning). The local energy agency,
Energies pour demain (3 persons) is an asset for the community, as it gives training,
information, experience sharing, etc... at the local level. Peyrelevade is part of
national network "notre village", dedicated to sustainable development of small
villages.
Data are available on electric consumption and public lighting. The environmental
audit started for Agenda 21 is also full of information for energy issues.
In order to decrease the energy consumption, initiatives have been started such as
public lights out in the night, use of low-wattage in public lighting. switch off public
machines and regulate heating during nights and week-ends.
The community started a policy on transports : collective transports, carpool, set-up
of cycling roads... But transport is still a major issue for population due to high needs
of go working and back home.
The municipal cantine for school uses local products in order to reduce transport and
support local economy.
Every 2 years the municipality organises a local energy festival, dedicated to the
community inhabitants and visitors in order to raise awareness, communicate on
different energy sources, etc...
In spite of those many initiatives, the mayor Pierre Coutaud still feels that the main
weakness is in the fact that there is no real local energy plan for energy. He also
tackle the low amount of local subsidies. The small resources of the municipality is
also a difficulty as there is no technical staff to support the mayor. Only the local
energy agency helps in the steering committee but is dedicated to a larger territory
(not only the community).
Peyrelevade inhabitants are particularly vulnerable toward fuel costs for transports
(for home-office and home city-center shuttle).There is one fuel station in the
municipality. Heating cost in not knowed yet (cost fuel) as the community is not
35. connected to gas network and it is much difficult to know the quantity of wood used
for heating individually. Electricity is sold 0,079€ per kwh (national price june 2009)
Wind farm of Gentioux-Peyrelevade started in december 2004 to produce a
maximum of 1,5 MW. They could theoretically give electricity to a 18000 inhabitant
city. The public buildings (municipality, creche, school) are equiped with a wood
boiler, supplied by a young farmer from the village who got specialized in wood
supply activity.
Pierre Coutaud identified the potential in renewable energy sources as the main
opportunity for its municipality, while the main threats are the low financial capacity
from private sector and the municipality itself, the too strong bureaucracy and
resistance to change
7.4 Legislation and public policies
Millevache Regional Natural Park (113 municipalities) is committed in a strong action
for renovating buildings, together with State, Regional Council and Department
Council. This programmes allows subisidies for renovation works, as well as for
wood-heating installations.
A group for forestry development was born in 2005 in the joint community to gather
forest owners and share information, training about forest valorization. The group
was 190 members in 2008.
Already identified earlier is the local energy agency, supported by Region and State.
Too much bureaucraty is a high threat according to M. Coutaud, even though the
new laws that should come out from the "Grenelle de l'environnement" should be
dedicated to energy and environmental issues.
State energy agency (ADEME) and Regional Council of Limousin both have
programmes supporting energy policies and actions, but the subsidies are now quite
low compared to the number of projects in the field. Most of the actions developed in
the community were supported financially by these 2 actors anyway.
37. 8 Schladen
8.1 Geographical position
Schladen is a rural joint community close to the
former inner-German border. Schladen is located in
the northern Harz region between the county town of
Wolfenbüttel in the north, Goslar in the southwest
and Bad Harzburg in the south. It is traversed in the
south-north direction from the Oker river, which flows
here into the Wedde brook (also called Weddebach). Schladen
The associated villages are: Schladen, Hornburg,
Gielde and Werlaburgdorf.
Upon an area of about 74 km² are living at present
close to 9500 inhabitants.
The altitude is about 97 m above sea level.
Historically, there is a high diversity: for example Hornburg is a romantic timber-framed
village, Werlaburgdorf is over 1000 years and had an archaeological Imperial Palace since
931st.
8.2 Natural environment
The climate of Schladen is located in a border area consisting mainly of continental climate
and an edge influence of sea climate. The temperatures vary from about -10° in winter
C
up to about +30° in summer. The winter is in large parts free of frost, the mean annual
C
temperature is about 8,8°C.
8.3 Economy
The traditional occupations of the inhabitants are in agriculture, animal breeding, forestry,
tourism (because of Schladens close distance to the Harz) and the sugar processing
industry. In Schladen operates a sugar factory of the Nordzucker AG.
The largest employer is the Grotjahn-Foundation, a care- and nursing home.
One attraction is the snake farm of Schladen, one of the biggest snake farms in Europe.
38. 8.4 Energetic situation
Energy issues will be referred to by the administration as the highest of the five main
priorities for the community, even before education, and job security.
Although so far no energy policy plan has been developed, that now belongs to the
short-term priorities and will be available shortly.
There are high efforts to save energy through thermal insulation and to extend the
use of renewable energy. Some projects have already been started:
The administration offers energy consulting to all of the entire population and carries
out annually an energy fair on issues of rational use of energy.
The administration seeks an energetic analysis of all properties of the joint
community and takes part as well in the campaign "Climate Region Northern Harz
region," an action for the determination of deep geothermal energy potential and
bioenergy potentials in all areas of the municipality.
The district Beuchte (380 inhabitants) is working to become the 2nd Low-emission
community (after Jühnde [www.bioenergiedorf.de]) in Lower Saxony. Base is a wood
chip-fired district heating network with private consumers. With the heat of a new
biogas plant will the supply of additional customers be assured.
Also in the planning of biomass heating systems, the community is active. It supports
for example the creation of a district heating network in Hornburg to supply many
buildings with heat from a biomass heating system.
In the solar sector, the community supports an action called "roof supports exchange
market”. Together with a local contractor roof surfaces suitable for solar power
generation will be determined and registered into a public database.
Sometimes the community itself builds photovoltaic plants on the roofs of their
properties, sometimes it makes them available for citizen-participated-facilities
40. 9 Schoeningen
9.1 Geographical position
The city Schoeningen is a town in the Brunswick
region, close to the former inner-German border.
The town includes the hamlets Schoeningen
Esbeck and Hoiersdorf.
Upon an area of about 35 km² are living at present
close to 12600 inhabitants. Schöningen
The altitude is about 114 m above sea level.
The area around Schoeningen was already
inhabited in the Paleolithic period. Since 1995 the
400,000-year-old "Schoeninger spears" have
been found on the edge of the brown-coal mine of
Schoeningen. These Paleolithic throwing devices are the oldest surviving complete
hunting weapons ever. They show that people have been operated at this time big-game
hunting. A continuous settlement for the city Schoeningen, which gained special
importance because of its salt deposits, has been detectable for about Nativity. It has been
mentioned first in a documentary of 747 as Carolingian royal court.
9.2 Natural environment
The climate of Schoeningen is located in a border area consisting mainly of continental
climate and an edge influence of sea climate. The temperatures vary from about -10° inC
winter up to about +30° in summer. The winter is in large parts free of frost, the mean
C
annual temperature is about 8,8°C.
9.3 Economy
The main areas of employment of the population are in the brown coal mining operations
and the associated power plant, agriculture, administration and retail.
Schoeningen wants to develop tourism through an experience center around the spears.
In the field of lignite opencast mine are found protected species of plants and animals.
41. 9.4 Energetic situation
Energy is one of the five main priorities of the city Schoeningen.
This is reflected, among other things, in a free initial consultation offered by the
administration on energy saving for private homeowners.
There are high efforts to save energy through thermal insulation and to extend the
planned deployment of renewable energy.
Schoeningen runs 2 cogeneration plants (CHP), one in the town hall and one in a
primary school . Many roofs are equipped with photovoltaic systems, one located on
the roof of a church.
The development of photovoltaic systems in public buildings is planned.
For the production facilities in the city's new industrial area, the use of waste heat
from the nearby waste incinerator is planned. Currently the city is looking to target
energy-intensive businesses, which can make good use of the proffered temperature
level.
In another project is tested in the context of a model testing whether conventional
street lighting can be replaced with LED lighting.
Currently, four employees of the Department Environment, Planning, Building and
Urban Development are involved with the environmental progress.
An estimate of the energy needs of the community is currently not available yet.
As most energy intensive sectors are provided by the administration industry and
housing, followed by agriculture, public buildings and transportation.
43. 10 St. Etienne de Lugdares
10.1 Geographical, climatical position
The “Cévennes et Montagne Ardéchoises” community is situated on the crossroads
of three regions in the heart of the Ardèche Mountains: Rhône Alpes, Languedoc
Roussillon and Haute Loire.
The community includes seven municipalities; Borne, Cellier du Luc, Laval d’Aurelle,
Laveyrune, Le Plagnal, Saint Etienne de Lugdarès and Saint Laurent les Bains.
These villages are geographically scattered on a surface of more than 160 km2 and
differing in altitude between 600 (Laval d’Aurelle) and 1506 meters (Borne).
The community is situated on the Ardèche mountains in the southeast part of the
Massif Central.
The climate in this part of the Ardèche area is very cold in winter and soft/fresh in
summer.
The “Cévenne et Montagne Ardéchoises” community is situated in a protected
natural space. It belongs partially to the Natural Regional Park of the “Monts d’
Ardèche”, in a countryside called “Ardèche Méridoniale”. Its territory counts Natura
2000 zones. This demonstrates well the quality of the ecosystem, the fauna and the
flora of the region.
The high environmental value of the region is a factor which facilitates the
development of clean energies.
10.2 Inhabitants and activities
Today, the community counts 1014 inhabitants and of the 1154 registered "living
units" only 403 are principal residences.
The municipality of Saint Etienne de Lugdarès is the most populated village of the
community with 460 inhabitants.
10.3 Rational use of energy
Mr. Champel, chairman of the community, as well as the elected representatives
have a real voluntarist policy towards renewable energies.
Meanwhile job creation remains the priority within the community and the
development of renewable energies appears to be the right tool to achieve this.
The most interesting renewable sources of energy to be developed in the region are
wind energy, biomass, solar energy and geothermal energy.
In 2006, the inauguration of the wind site of Cham Longe (12 wind generators)
marked the start of this policy turned to sustainable development.
This wind farm which took 10 years before becoming a reality is constituted by 12
wind turbines of 1.5MW each, situated on the municipality of Saint Etienne de
Lugdarès (11) and Astet (1). They can provide a population of 70 000 inhabitants
with electricity.
A wind turbine turns for an average of 25 % of the time - that is some 2500 hours in a
44. year -, knowing that it cannot turn when there is not enough wind nor when there is
too much. Those situated to Saint Etienne de Lugdarès have a higher production
capacity than average, the sector being ideally windy, is with approximately 3000
hours a year. Two more supplementary wind turbines of 2.3 MW each for which work
has started, will be added to the current site.
Meanwhile, the forest is considered the main wealthsource of the region. Today
however the wood industry is underdeveloped but there is a real political will on the
scale of the “Montagne Ardéchoises” to develop the sector.
The region is also ideal for the photovoltaic energy. The height authorizes a high rate
of return and the air is much less polluted than elsewhere. Furthermore, there is no
shortage of space. But the technology is not still in its optimum and the elected
representatives prefer to wait for another few years before committing themselves to
the development of this type of energy.
Concerning the geothermal science, the village of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains is very
wellknown for its thermal waters, resurgence of a volcanic past. A warm water source
of more than 50° wells up from more than 2500 meters deep. Part of this heat is
C
already reused for the househeating in particular, but there is important potential of
energy left. And the creation of a network of heat is not excluded.
Thanks to the presence of a development area for wind energy (DAW), a project for
the implantation of another 35 wind turbines is on the way. The DAW allows the
resale of the electricity (to EDF) at a guaranteed price.
If this project will see the light of day, the expected tax-revenues should allow setting
up a cash desk to equip individual people with renewable and soft energies.
The current tax-revenues help the community to display an active policy for the
employment and the development of the seven municipalities. This year, a micro-
day-nursery was opened and there is a project of a business incubator and a cultural
space.
The will of the community to make a commitment towards energy neutrality is
symbolized by numerous projects such as the implementation of a wood-fired boiler
for public buildings, isolation of public buildings and geothermal heating of low rate
housing.
As we can see the prospects of renewable energies imply a realistic choice for rural
areas. Furthermore, the house of the renewable energies, a totally energy self-
sufficient building will open its doors soon. In a playful and demonstrative way it will
demonstrate the visitors the interest and the functioning of renewable energies.
Today, the community is still confronted with some reluctance by a part of the public
opinion as to the forthcoming changes. However thanks to its membership in the
RERUNER network in particular she will be able to develop the mentalities, to
change the habit. The road will be long to aim towards the energy excellence. The
sustainable development is in our reach, it is only up to the inhabitants of the
“Cévenne et Montagne Ardéchoises” community to make their creed.
46. 11 St. Jean d'Alcapiès
11.1 Geographical, climatical position
Situation : South of France, region of Midi-Pyrénées, department of Aveyron
Altitude : 556 m high.
Area : 8,62 km²
Inhabitants : 257 inhabitants live throughout the year
Density : 29,8 hab/km²
Biggest city close to Saint-Jean-d'Alcapiès : Millau (22133 inhabitants in 2006) 18 km
north-east far.
Surroundings environment, "les Grands Causses" is soft montains and valleys, close
to dry calcareous area. Spectacular underground waters are back to surface in the
area. Low rain pluviometry and generous sunshine (2300 - 2400 hours/year) allow a
Mediterranean vegetation. Local speciality is Roquefort cheese, made from ewe milk
and prepared in calcareous cellar.
11.1.1 Land use
Organisation of village : one village, 5
small settlements and remote houses.
No further urbanisation if planned.
Most of the non-urbanised space is
used for agriculture, especially sheep
breeding. Part of regional natural park
of "Grands Causse", Saint Jean
d'Alcapiès is a protected area for
natural heritage.
The community is connected to
electricity network, (sending electricity
from its photovoltaic plant), but not to
gas network. Illustration 4: Satelit vue of the municipality :
main village
11.1.2 Natural ressources for energy
- Low capacity for hydroelectricity,
- strong resources in wood and forest (which is under-exploited),
- willingness to avoid wind farms in the landscape and
- strong sunshining
brought local authority to prefer solar technologies + wood boilers.
Saint Jean d'Alcapiès's mayor see the potential of RES as the highest strength in
terms of energetic neutrality, especially industrial photovoltaic as it may not be
47. exclusive from ewe/sheep breeding, as already experimented in other European
countries.
11.2 Inhabitants and activities
- 163 inhabitants in 1990, 252 in 2006, 100 households
- Most of the inhabitants work in Saint Affrique (7 km) and Millau (18 km).
Unemployment rate was 3% in 2006 and 7,7% in 1999.
- Breeding goats and sheeps (the only animals able to live on the dry "Causses")
producing, 70 millions litres of milk for 19000 t of Roquefort Cheese every year.
- Above agriculture, the village counts 3 artisans on the building sector among which
one is specialised on solar installations for warm water.
- A high quality restaurant and rooms is proposed by a family in a restored farm in the
village. There is no shop and no schools in the village, the closest school is a few km
far within the joint community.
11.3 Rational use of energy
Rational Use of Energy is a high priority for Mayor Jérome Rouve, first with energy
savings and then production of RES. ALCAPIA, public building for multi-activity were
built in 2008, to become a demonstration site for renewable energy sources and
energy saves.
The only human resources dedicated to energy are the mayor and his steering
committee, composed by citizens and local representatives. There is no technical
staff to drive the projects.
As the smallest community having realized an Agenda 21 (methodology for
sustainable territorial approach), Saint Jean d'Alcapiès focused on 3 actions
regarding energy :
- Solar boiler for warm water in community buildings.
- photovoltaic plant
- getting awareness within the population to energy savings and
renewable energy.
The 2008 consumption of energy is evaluated thanks to the School of Architecture
works:
- electricity : 279 325 kWh
- fuel (heating) : 1 385 700 kWh
Meaning a consumption for building close to 6660 kWh/inhabitant/year.
48. There is no evaluation of the energy used for transport, wood for fireplace and bottle
gas.
The 2008 production was as follow : 36 kW from photovoltaics sources; 54 kW from
thermal-solar; 155 kW from wood boiler; 5 kW from a small wind (demonstration).
11.3.1 Mobilization of the population
From the 100 households, 49 answered to a specific questionnaire, within one week.
Most of the time, people think about energy from the production of renewable energy
sources point of view (rather than from energy savings). 30% of people said that their
vision changed thanks to ALCAPIA, 30% that they have a project on their own house,
and 20% announced that they would follow ecological principles when having work
done.
11.3.2 Legal framework and public policies
Legal framework regarding landscape, village protection, public decisions...
In Aveyron department are set up many initiatives such as industrial photovoltaic of
24 ha in a neighbouring village, the Association "wood energy aveyron" aims at
promoting wood boilers, prices for photovoltaic offers good conditions... At the
national level, Grenelle de l'Environnement made the government aware of the
urgency and a new framework is getting set up.
As said Jérome Rouve, their is never enough public subsidies and procedures and
bureau cracy are the main issues to be tackled.
51. 12 Tasca
12.1 Geographical position
Taşca is a joint community located in the north-eastern part of Romania, on
the river Bicaz. At 29 km distance from the city of Piatra NeamŃ (the administrative
residence of NeamŃ County), Taşca has a population of 2715 inhabitants. Together
with its small villages Hamzoaia, Secu, Neagra and Ticoş Florea, Taşca is a
beautiful, typical village for Bicaz Valley.
12.2 Natural environment
Topographic data. Taşca has an area of 9.563 ha, 63% of which being
covered with forests.
Climate. Taşca is located into the mountainous climatic zone of Oriental
Carpathians. The annual average temperature is 8ºC, the average temperature of
July is around 19ºC and that of January is -4ºC. The annual average of precipitations
rate is 750-800 mm.
Hydrography. The main water course is the river Bicaz. The local feeders of
Bicaz are Secu, Florea, Neagra and Chişirig.
Flora and fauna. On the territory of Taşca, the vegetation consists of bushes
of blueberries and red billberies, a species of rare needleleaf tree with falling leaves,
some protected species such as Nigritella rubra, Gentiana lutea and the queen of
alpine flowers, Leontopodium alpinum. The rich forests in Taşca host bears, foxes,
wild boars, squirrels and also some rare species such as the black goat (Rupicapra
rupicapra) and the lynx (Lynx lynx). Bicaz and the other permanent water courses
offer the trout and rainbow trout. Among birds we can find the wood grouse and the
golden eagle.
Geomorphological data. The touristic resources in Taşca and surroundings
are represented by:
Ceahlău Mountain. Ceahlău is National park, with restrictive access. The
landscapes are amazing in clear days. One can see many rocks with bizarre
aspects, deep forests and a large alpine plateau.
Bicaz Gorges. Descending in Bicaz valley, cross spectacular Bicaz Gorges to
Lacu Rosu resort. Bicaz Gorges is the most spectacular gorges from Orientali
Carpathians. With huge rocks over 350m high, this is a rock climbing paradise.
The Cement Factory Moldocim.
12.3 Use of land
The surface of Taşca is used as follows: agriculture (115 ha), hayfields (1418
ha), pasture (1083 ha), forests (6609 ha) and other uses (338 ha).
52. Tourism.
Sf. Nicolae Church. Going 5 km on the national road from Taşca to Lacu Roşu
we find, at Neagra, the church „Sf. Nicolae”. This church was built on the place where
an old, small church made of wood, has been brought, around 1800, from Ceahlău
mountain.
Heros’ Monument in centrul Taşca (1994).
The Monument of Ştefan cel Mare Voievod in Neagra (2004).
The Monument in Poiana Crucii.
Sf. Spiridon Church in Taşca.
Due to the rich resources in Taşca and surroundings, the following tourism
forms have developed:
Mountainous tourism. There are several lines that can be accessed by those
who love mountains: Taşca - Vârful Secuiesc – Furcituri river - Izvorul Muntelui
river - Izvorul Muntelui chalet; Neagra village – crossing of rivers Neagra Mica
and Neagra Mare - Vf. Negrii - Poiana Varatec - Poiana Maicilor - Ocolasul
Mic – Dochia chalet.
Traveling/transit tourism. Taşca is placed on the national road DN 12C.
Hunting and fishing tourism.
Cultural and pilgrimage tourism.
Weekend tourism.
Leasure tourism.
Business tourism, due to the Cement Factory in Bicaz.
Natural reservations. Ceahlău National Park shelters a large variety of flora
and fauna; some of the species are endemic or rarely seen elsewhere in Romania.
The entry point to the national park is Izvorul Muntelui village, 12 km north-east of
Bicaz.
Industry. The main occupation of the inhabitants in Taşca is agriculture, a
small part of them working at the cement factory in Bicaz.
12.4 Renewable Energy Use
In 1998, an agreement between municipality of Taşca, NeamŃ County
authorities and DEPA was signed, establishing the basis for implementation of a pilot
project in Taşca, based upon a considerable grant from DEPA. Grue & Hornstrup
Consulting Engineers obtained, in August 1998, the assignment as consultants
responsible for design, tendering and implementation of the project on the behalf of
DEPA. Tendering based upon international tendering procedures (World Bank tender
dossiers) was performed at the beginning of year 1999 and the entire project was
implemented during the summer 1999. Before the heating season 1999-2000 the
entire project was commissioned which included 1) new boiler plant, 2) district
heating network, 3) consumer connection units, 4) replacement of pipes under
buildings etc.
53. In Taşca, single-family houses are spread all over the village whereas most
public buildings (town hall, school, kindergarten etc.) and blocks of flats are
concentrated in the centre of Taşca. The new biomass based district heating system
is designed to supply hot water to buildings located in the centre of Taşca.
The central heating system based on sawdust ensures thermal energy for 132
subscribers, namely: 125 families, 1 economic agent and 1 public institution.
Table 1. Technical data
Subject Unit Data
Heat output capacity of the biomass
MW 2.5
boiler system
Inhabitants supplied with heat from the
% 50 % of the inhabitants in Tasca.
biomass boiler system
Mostly sawdust, woodchips and
Fuel
bark
Water content of biomass fuel % Up to 50
Efficiency of flue gas cleaning system mg/Nm3 CO emissions < 250
(multi cyclone and bag filter unit) at NOx emissions < 500
10% dry oxygen. Dust emissions < 40
Sawdust production in Neamt County tons/year Approx. 40 – 50 000
Sawdust consumed by the biomass Approx. 2500 (5 – 7% of sawdust
tons/year
boiler system in Tasca (excluding kiln). production in Neamt County)
The demonstration project in Taşca could be implemented thanks to a considerable
grant from DEPA under the Danish Ministry for the Environment and financial support
from the Neamt County (funds paid by Municipality of Taşca came from the Neamt
County).
The financing scheme for the demonstration project in Taşca is presented below:
· Municipality of Taşca 10 %
· DEPA (grant) 90 %
In addition to the above mentioned grant for purchasing technical equipment, DEPA
also financed the expenses related to consultant services.
The demonstration project in Taşca has resulted in environmental benefits and
proved that a local environmentally friendly energy source (wood waste) could be
used as fuel in district-heating systems in Romania.
By substituting a CO2 neutral fuel (wood waste) for a fossil fuel (oil), the new
biomass boiler contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The estimation of
saved CO2 emissions as a result of implementing the demonstration project in Taşca
is based on the following assumptions.
54. Subject Unit Data
Quantity of wood waste combusted tons/year 2500
(sawdust)
Heat calorific value of wet sawdust GJ/ton 8.27
(50% water content)
Typical emission factor - oil kg CO2/GJ fuel used (based on 77.30
lower calorific values)
CO2 emission reduction generated by tons/year Approx. 1600
the demonstration project in Tasca
The sawdust project developed in the village of Taşca demonstrates that a modern
combustion technology can provide a viable solution to two problems: an
environmental problem caused by uncontrolled sawdust dumping and an energy-
related problem concerning heat supply to the local population.
Future development plans of Taşca community foresee an extension of the use
of wood waste, in order to ensure thermal energy for the community by building a
new biomass plant in the community. As we can see in Table 1, there is enough
wood waste available for this purpose. Also, an evaluation of the aeolian and solar
energy sources in the neighborhood is desired.
For Taşca, being parther in RURENER network and joining RURENER project
is an opportunity for new information and for finding new financial sources, and a
support to persuade local authorities to involve in this project.
56. 13 Tirano
13.1 Territory
13.1.1 Geographical position
Tirano is one of the largest towns in Valtellina, the natural northern extremity of the
region Lombardy. Located at the end of the flat part of Valtellina flood plain, crossed
by river Adda, Turano is in a strategic geographical position as it is an important
crossroad for traffic coming from and going to Switzerland through the Poschiavina
valley and the Bernina Pass, and is also a railway terminus for both Italy and
Switzerland (through the well known Rhaetian Railway, included by UNESCO in
2008 in the World Heritage List).
Tirano has 9.168 inhabitants (as at 01/01/2009 – Source: municipal register and
ISTAT, the State Statistics Institute) and is located 441 metres above the sea level.
Tirano is 25 kilometres away from Sondrio, the Provincial capital, and about 150 km
away from Milan, the regional capital.
Its territory includes the flood plain, the Rhaetian mountains and the Orobic
mountains, including the interesting plateau of Trivigno, part of a site of EU relevance
(SIC IT2040024 “From Mount Belvedere to Vallorda”).
57. 13.1.2 Natural environment, climate and geomorphology
Geomorphologic configuration. It is the result of the modelling action carried out by
various morphogenic agents, glacial flows in particular, which have repeatedly
crossed the Adda valley giving it its typical glacial morphology with a U shaped cross
section featuring a flat and wide bottom and steep slopes.
Tirano is therefore located in a mountain valley environment, whose landscape in the
flood plain is marked by a strong urbanisation and, to a lesser extent, apple (Cologna
fan) and grapevine (Rhaetian slope, more sunny) crops.
Hydrologic configuration. The municipality of Tirano is part of the catchment area
of the Adda River (that belongs to the catchment area of the Po river), stretching over
a surface of 7.927 square km, 70% of which being mountain territory. The Adda river
originated from the release of the Cancano dam and flows north to south; from Tirano
to the Como lake the river increases in discharge due to the input of torrents from
lateral valleys and for the release of a number of hydro-electric plants. In particular,
the main tributaries of the Tirano area are: Roasco torrent, Saiento torrent,
Poschiavino torrent, Boalzo torrent and Belviso torrent.
Rainfall. The municipality of Tirano is marked by a moderate rainfall (700 mm yearly
average) thanks to the wind that from lake Como – penetrating into the valley –
prevents air from condensing water vapour. This peculiarity makes Tirano a rainfall
depression area. It is moreover useful to observe:
− that the maximum rainfall occurs between May and October, with a
Continental cold-humid climate;
− that peaks occur between May and October, often stretching through to
November, while minimum levels occur during winter;
− that, in general, during rainy periods there are 2 to 3 peaks.
58. The image shows Tirano, considered as a rainfall depression centre.
Temperatures
Winter 2007-2008: minimum and maximum temperatures
Summer 2008: minimum and maximum temperatures
59. 13.1.3 Use of man-used (urban, industrial, farming) and non man-used soil
(forests, pasture land)
The town of Tirano, in the flood plain, is the most largely urbanised area and is
mainly a residential and commercial settlement. The urban area stretches along the
state road SS38 while the industrial-handicraft area is located at the junction of Adda
and Poschiavino. Most cropping areas is in the strip nearer to the urban zone. At
higher altitudes, crops are replaced by chestnut trees and woods. The remaining
plots are occupied by pasture, that is free spaces that are essential to the
development of activities linked to animal husbandry. The area near to the river is
totally built within the town, while the opposite Adda banks is made of bare gravel.
60. Although the territory of the municipality has a strong inclination towards farming and
animal husbandry, the progressive industrial development of the town of Tirano and
the modern outsourcing phenomena turned them into secondary activities, often
even liked to leisure.
The Rhaetian slope of the valley is marked by a strong human presence linked to
intensive farming, with a considerable terracing with dry masonry walls where
registered designation of origin grapes are cropped. The ideal solar radiation and a
particularly fertile land did create a very favourable condition to vine growing. Starting
from the Adda river and going up between 500 and 750 m, it is easy to see the
typical vineyard system of terraces with the inter row often dedicated to cereals and
vegetable crops. After the terraced area there comes a slight plateau hosting the
hamlet of Baruffini, surrounded both by cropped land (rye, vegetable crops and
potatoes) and chestnut woods. At a further altitude, between 950 and 1800 metres,
woods develop, with patches made by pasture land. A further area, the hamlet of
Roncaiola, is in a situation of disuse, possibly due to the lack of an adequate road
system that would allow its use as vineyard area.
The Orobian slope is the southern area of the municipality of Tirano, very steep and
with scarce solar radiation, making it unfit for agriculture. The main land use of the
soil is woods and, at higher altitudes, pasture. In the past the area was actually
cropped (potatoes and rye) and used for animal husbandry (there are still many
“maggengo”, the intermediate pasture areas used between winter and summer). The
area nearer to Tirano was once cropped with vineyards, while now specialised crops
as apple orchards prevail (stark delicious and golden delicious DOP apple varieties),
although profitability is lower as compared to the Rhaetian area. At higher altitudes,
chestnut woods abound, to give way to true woods, in bands: both coppice (beech,
hornbeam, birch, alder and durmast) at lower altitudes and resin (larch, fir and pine)
higher up. The Orobian area is marked by the presence of many torrential water
courses flowing along the slope in small valleys that they themselves dig.
This slopes hosts the site of EU
relevance “From Mount Belvedere to
Vallorda” (SIC IT2040024).
61. 13.1.4 Natural resources available for energy and their impact on the
environment
Wood. Wood is the most important resource for Tirano in terms of biomass. Wood is
an neutral energy vector as far as CO2 is concerned, as when dissolved it does not
produce more CO2 than the quantity taken by plants from the atmosphere during
their growth. The use of wood for energy therefore has a neutral balance in terms of
CO2, provided that the quantity of biomass used is lower than the quantity that
grows. Wood produced may therefore, in a climate protection framework, replace a
part of oil and gas used for heating. This choice, in the short and medium run,
appears as technically and economically viable although the combustion of wood in
traditional heating plants (without expensive filters) does produce an increase of
atmospheric pollutants (mainly fine particles and nitrogen oxide).
Firewood is moreover not an unlimited resource, it is therefore desirable to obtain a
maximum energy return, without further damage to the environment. In this respect, it
would be interesting to start wood gasification procedures, turning it into synthetic
natural gas (SNG) as already done in Switzerland and Austria.
The main steps of the
transformation of wood into
SNG.
Synthetic natural gas
preserves 60% of the caloric
power of wood, the rest is
lost in form of thermal heat
which can partially be
recovered as internal
industrial heating or to
produce electricity with
steam turbines.
The experience of the collective heating plant in Tirano with the use of wood splinters
coming from the woods, highlighted that the rural world of forest owners is very
fragmented and marked by a scarce entrepreneurial attitude. The first step to seize
the opportunity of biomass is that of making forest owners associations more
professional in their offer, aggregating and working together in order to be more
interesting and competitive on the energy market.
Water. In the framework of the rational use of “alternative” energies, the exploitation
of hydraulic energy certainly has a great importance and interest for a series of
reasons: its diffusion in the area, the long-standing technology in the sector and a
desire to be independent from centralised services of production and distribution of
electric energy, coupled with the unpredictability of fluctuations of prices of traditional
fossil fuels and the awareness of how rapidly their reserves are running short.