Category: Region, State, District

Gotland, Sweden

Gotland, Sweden

  • Target: Climate-neutral energy supply by 2025
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Wind power
  • Implementation: The Swedish Island of Gotland is committed to having a climate-neutral energy supply by 2025. The objective is to use 100% local, renewable resources to meet all of the energy demand for households and business on Gotland, except for industrial fuels. Gotland has implemented an array of innovative renewable energy projects.  This is largely due to it having the highest sunlight strength in Sweden, is one of the top wind locations in Europe, and has good access to biofuels. The municipality's sustainability initiative already began in the early 1990s, with the aim of creating a sustainable society by 2025. This would not only apply for the energy sector, but also for all resources, agriculture, and waste. Since then, the municipality has already cut its CO2 emissions from fossil fuels nearly in half.  A quarter to half of the entire island's annual electricity demand is met with wind power, and heating is produced with biofuels from local forests. In 2010, Gotland installed its first biogas station for fueling cars and buses, which today totals four stations. In 2017, the first public filling station for HVO was opened. There are also several loading stations for electric vehicles across the island. Wind power development has since grown but existing sea cables have been found to be limited in capacity. The Swedish Government's National Energy Agency is conducting a feasibility study on Gotland as a pilot case for a renewable energy system smart grid to address this challenge.
  • Population: 58,595 (2017)
  • Area: 3,183.7 km2 (1,229.2 sq mi)
  • Link: Island of Gotland is Home to Sustainable Energy System Pilot Project
Gotland, Sweden

Hawaii, USA

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

  • Target: 100% RE by 2045 in the electricity sector, with several interim benchmarks.
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Solar power and wind power.
  • Implementation: In 2012, Hawaii was importing 93% of the energy it consumed and in 2013, the state had the highest electricity prices in the nation, more than three times higher than the average electricity price in the mainland states. In 2012, 71% of the electricity produced in the Hawaii was generated with oil, and in 2012 only 18% with renewable energy sources. By 2014, cost competitiveness of renewable energy technology was driving considerable increase in renewable energy uptake on the Hawaii islands. According to the US EIA, wind is estimated to be able to deliver electricity at a price of 7 ¢/kWh, similarly geothermal at approximately 10 ¢/kWh and utility scale solar PV at approximately 16 ¢/kWh. This is compared to the price of oil-generated electricity which was averaging 34 ¢/kWh in 2014. From 2007 to 2013, solar power generation across the islands went from 8 GWh in 2007 to 404 GWh, while wind power generation more than doubled. In 2015, a joint House-Senate committee in Hawaii agreed on House Bill 623 to set a 100% RE target and became the first US state to commit to this goal. In May of that year, Hawaii’s state legislature committed that the target be reached by 2045, with an interim goals of 30 % RE by 2020, 40 % RE by 2030, and 70 % RE by 2040. (Hawaii's renewable energy plan builds on earlier energy policy frameworks established in 2009, which set two definitive targets: cover 40% of the island needs for electricity only with renewable energy sources by 2030, and at the same time reduce electricity consumption by 30% by implementing Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards.)
  • Population: 1,427,538 (2017)
  • Area: 10,931 sq mi (28,311 km2)
  • Link: http://www.transverter.com/REACH7.pdf
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

Hessen (State), Germany

Hessen (State), Germany

  • Target: 100% renewable electricity and heat by 2050
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Wind power, hydropower, biomass, biofuels, solar thermal and PV and district heating systems.
  • Implementation: In 2010, the State of Hessen in Germany made the commitment to transition to 20% renewable heat and power by 2020. However, a more drastic change in policy was in order due to the concerns on the impact of climate change and the events of nuclear disaster in Fukushima. The move away from fossil and nuclear power towards renewable energy and accelerated energy efficiency became imperative. In January 2012, a strategy was therefore presented on how to achieve 100% renewable electricity and heat by 2050. Essential to the strategy was to increase the energy efficiency and to restructure the existing energy system from a central to a decentralised one with smaller, more flexible power plant units. At the same time, the energy network will be expanded and adapted to meet the new requirements.

    The energy transition will require the support and active participation of the private households, municipalities and businesses. To do so, the government has developed concepts to support its citizens and stakeholders with tailored investing, non-investment projects, comprehensive information and counselling services, and legislative initiatives at the federal level. Since 2012, the state government has dedicated a budget of 80 million euros for relevant energy projects. The strategy will call for the expansion of renewable energy installations, particularly in wind, solar and biomass, and the integration of smart energy management systems.
  • Population: 6,243,262 (2017)
  • Area: 21,100 km2(8,100 sq mi)
  • Link: https://www.energieland.hessen.de/Home
Hessen (State), Germany

Hokkaido, Japan

Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan

  • Target: 100% energy self-sufficiency by 2050.
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Wind and biomass energy.
  • Implementation: Hokkaido is the second largest of the four main Japanese islands, and the largest of its 47 prefectures. Hokkaido is recognised as having great potential for renewable energies, notably wind energy and biomass.  Its economy is based on agriculture and the timber industry (22% of Japan's forests is located on the island). According to a 2011 study by the Japanese Ministry of Environment, the island has the potential to generate a quarter of the whole country’s renewable energy production, with half of it from onshore and a quarter of it from offshore wind power generation. Several pioneer projects have already implemented on the island since 2001. Among those facilities are the first community-based wind power installation in Japan. Indeed Hokkaido's efforts began on March 11th, 2011 when the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster strengthened the will of Hokkaido’s citizens to transition to a non-nuclear society. It triggered the creation of the Hokkaido Energy Transition 100 Project, a project which quickly released a step-by-step roadmap to 100% renewable energies for electricity production on the island through energy efficiency and community based production of energy.  In 2010, Hokkaido Island still relied mainly on nuclear power (43,8%), and thermal power (33,8%). The share of renewable was of 22,9%, where hydro power constituted 22,1%. The Hokkaido roadmap would diversify the renewable energy sources of the island with solar, biomass, geothermal and especially wind power generation. The roadmap would also outline short, mid and long term objectives to reach for energy efficiency: 17% of savings on 2010 basis in 2020, 29% in 2030 and finally, 60% in 2050. To achieve steady implementation, the Plan is promoting the sharing of best practices between inhabitants of the island. Since the beginning of the project, citizens and private businesses have been supporting the project, including the Hokkaido University Sustainable Low-Carbon Society Project. In May 2014,  the “Hokkaido Energy Change 100 Network” was founded with the aim of continuing the steerage of activities towards the 100% target.
  • Population: 5,377,435 (2016)
  • Area: 83,453.57 km2 (32,221.60 sq mi)
  • Link: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/10/14/business/balance-power-shift-toward-renewable-energy-appears-picking-steam/#.XGQGSy3MyIY
Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan

Inje County, Gangwon, Korea

Seoraksan, Inje County, Gangwon, Korea

  • Target: 100% renewable energy by 2045.
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: 6 MW of wind power and 1.7 MW of mini-hydropower.
  • Implementation: The county of Inje in the Province of Gangwon-do is located in the north of the Republic of Korea, bordering with North Korea. The rural county is covered with around 88% of forest. In 2015, Inje County developed the ‘Inje 2045 Zero Energy Independence Plan’, to transform itself into Eco Inje by transitioning to 100% by 2045. To achieve this target, Inje County is taking advantage of its natural environment, particularly its hilly landscapes and water resources. Its Plan would set out five main policy areas: 1) Expansion of New Renewable Energy production, 2) Energy Efficiency, 3) Energy conservation & Creation of Civic culture, 4) Expansion of Carbon Sinks, and 5) Building & Strengthening cooperative foundation. Some of the actions already implemented include 6 MW of wind power and 1.7 MW of mini-hydropower generation capacity. Inje's plan has been strengthened by adopting the best scenario through the '2015-2016 Energy-safe Cities' program in cooperation with ICLEI Korea and other relevant organizations in Korea. One of main challenges for Inje County remains the ability to create solid partnerships among relevant stakeholders such as the private sector, military and residents.
  • Population: 34,120 (2000)
  • Area: 1,646.33 km2(635.65 sq mi)
  • Link: Gangwon Windfarm
Seoraksan, Inje County, Gangwon, Korea

Jämtland County, Sweden

Jämtland, Sweden

  • Target: 100% renewable energy
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Hydropower, windpower, cogeneration and biofuels.
  • Implementation: Jämtland County is the third largest county in Sweden. The largest share of electricity production in Jämtland (93%) is generated from hydropower (11.2 TWh in 2013). The county has 83 hydropower plants. The remaining 5% of electricity generation is based on wind power (0.6 TWh in 2014) and 2% is based on bioenergy (0.2 TWh).

    Jämtland County first became motivated to switch from fossil fuel use during the 1973 oil crisis. At that time, oil made up more than 80% of the heating fuel mix. Today, no heating oil is used. The County’s Energy Agency has provided an educational program about the benefits of renewables, which has encouraged local citizens to make the switch.

    Due to its abundant forest resources, well-developed infrastructure in forests, expertise in logistics and district heating, Jämtland's bioenergy production is flourishing. There is strong political support and backing by the municipal and regional authorities. Östersund municipality, Jämtland's only city, has facilitated this development by setting ambitious climate change policies and targets and has shown proactive municipal leadership. There is also a high interest among other regional actors (local energy companies, forest owners associations, networks and knowledge institutions) in tapping the new opportunities for utilizing forest- and waste-based biomass in the bioeconomy. Bioenergy expansion is said to be attributed to the use of economic instruments such as a carbon dioxide tax, green electricity certificates, tax exemption for biofuels in transport, and direct investment support. Support for bioenergy started already in the 80s’ when investment grants were given to convert boilers and heat plants from oil to other fuels, including biofuels.

    Overall, stable EU and national regulatory frameworks has been fundamental to advancing the bio-based industries in Jämtland and Sweden in general.
  • Population: 127 376 (2015)
  • Area: 34,009 km²
  • Link: NordRegion Working Paper
Jämtland, Sweden
Östersund, Sweden

Jeju Province, Korea

Jeju Island, Korea

  • Target: 100% renewable electricity and transport, and to be a “carbon-free island" by 2030.
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Onshore (350 MW) and offshore (1 GW) wind turbines, solar (30 MW), small hydroelectric power plants, and power storage systems. Electric cars, house energy management system (HEMS) and other technologies will also become available for the residents of the islands.
  • Implementation: Jeju self-governing province consists of several islands. In 2012, the Jeju Energy Corporation (JEC) of the Jeju province set the 100% target in order to be independent from the electricity imported from the Korean Peninsula, and to meet all its electricity demand by only renewable energy (RE) sources generated from within the islands. This initiative includes the replacement of the current fossil-fuel fired generator with RE technologies. The JEC aims to achieve the target by: (1) turning Gapa Island, a small island located South of Jeju, into a testing laboratory for Jeju to be the first carbon free island, (2) increase the share of renewable energy in the total energy demand to 50% by 2020, and (3) make Jeju Island a carbon-free city by 2030. The first step in switching Gapa Island to a carbon-free electric grid involved the municipality with central government agencies. The energy demand is met completely from wind turbines and solar photovoltaic systems. Electric vehicles for transport and HEMS have been placed in every household on the island. For the second and third steps, the Korean central government and from local investors will be investing in the installation of renewable energy technologies and smart grid trials. The Jeju Test-Bed for the Grid is a project that will function as a testing platform to improve the integration of RE and energy storage facilities within the grid. A total of 168 companies are participating in the project, which covers approximately 6,000 households throughout Jeju Island. The Jeju’s smart grid will be one of the world’s largest smart grid communities that will allow the testing of advanced smart grid technologies, offering opportunities for R&D, energy storage, and the development of new business models.
  • Population: 604,771 (2014)
  • Area: 1,849 km2 (714 sq mi)
  • Link: https://www.ecowatch.com/south-koreas-plan-to-have-worlds-first-carbon-free-island-1891165990.html
Jeju Island, Korea

Kasese, Uganda

Kasese, Uganda

  • Target: 100% renewable energy by 2020
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Biomass, solar, geothermal, and micro-hydro
  • Implementation: Kasese District is located in Western Uganda. It is bordered by several protected forest reserves including Queen Elizabeth National Park and Mt. Rwenzori National Park. Only 7.6% of the 134,000 households in the district have access to the national grid. Limited road access make connecting to the grid virtually impossible. Nearly all households burn wood and charcoal as their main source of energy. Most use kerosene (also called paraffin) to light their homes. In 2012, Kasese District Council launched a 100% renewables program with the aim of bringing access to clean energy services for all domestic, productive and social needs in rural and urban areas, all by 2020. The program would ensure that renewable energy access is integral in all government-funded projects and institutions, including schools, health centres, markets and other public infrastructure. Tax breaks are made available for all renewable-energy-related businesses. Traineeships are provided for the installation, maintenance and distribution of renewable energy technologies. The council is also working with universities, businesses and NGOs to implement smaller localised RE projects. A collaboration between WWF and Barefoot Power Uganda is allowing local businesses to provide loans for small-scale solar in mountain villages. The partnership's "Light Up a Village" program has brought 240 solar home systems to Kasese.

    Today renewables are estimated to supply 26.8% of the Kasese district with energy. Solar for lighting and biogas for cooking has replaced the traditional three-stone method of cooking – reducing indoor pollution. Cheap domestic solar systems now provide electricity for many, freeing up money for food, clothing and education. Increasing electrification has meant more reliable lines of telecommunication that enable solar phone charging facilities and solar-run computers with internet access. The district now plans to convert its streetlights to use efficient LED lighting.

    The number of new businesses and jobs in the green economy has increased. Businesses sell solar equipment, maintain solar networks, build biogas systems, install modern cook stoves and construct mini-hydro projects. The tourism industry has grown as newly electrified camps and lodges are attracting more visitors. To achieve the 100% target, Kasese will still require support for the existing program and innovative finance mechanisms maintained over many years for households – especially those living on less than $1 a day.
  • Population: 700,000
  • Area: 3,389.8 km²
  • Link: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/oct/20/ugandan-mayor-my-district-will-be-100-renewable-by-2020
Kasese, Uganda

Le Thouarsais, France

Chateau des ducs de La Tremoille, Thouars, France

  • Target: 100% RE
  • Status: In progress
  • RES: Wind power and biogas.
  • Implementation: Le Thouarsais is a group of 33 communes, located in the Poitou-Charente region of France. Its core city is Thouars. Commited to fight against climate change, the Thouarsais territory aims to make renewable energy the vector of economic growth and social development in the area. In 2001, it implemented the framework "Conseil en Energie Portage". By 2007, the Local Climate initiatives contract enabled local authorities and stakeholders to be involved in the transition process, alongside the Ademe (French national energy agency) and the Poitou-Charentes Region. They would work together to: (1) reduce greenhouse gas emissions before 2050 and (2) become a positive energy territory. To date, the number of renewable energy projects in the region is multiplying, from the centralized methanization unit “TIPER” (3 MW) involving around 50 farmers, to a 36 MW wind park.
  • Population: 36, 176 (2013)
  • Area: 620 km²
Chateau des ducs de La Tremoille, Thouars, France
  • Chateau des ducs de La Tremoille Thouars © Sevrein CC BY-SA 3.0

Lüchow-Dannenberg, Germany

Wet meadow landscape, Lüchow-Dannenberg, Germany

  • Target: 100% of electricity needs with renewable energy.
  • Status: Achieved
  • RES: Solar PV systems, biogas facilities, wind turbines, small river-based hydropower, and combined heat and power plant.
  • Implementation: The district of Lüchow-Dannenberg is located at the far eastern tip of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) in the center of Germany. The district is comprised of 27 cities and has long played role in Germany's energy policy. Today Lüchow-Dannenberg is leading the way on renewable energy.

    It began in 1997 when a working group on climate protection and energy set an ambitious target of meeting 100% of Lüchow-Dannenberg's electricity needs with renewable energies. The district was motivated by the need to to improve environmental stewardship, and the need to address high regional unemployment. On May 1, 2011, Lüchow-Dannenberg reached its goal - 4 years ahead of schedule.

    The district's power mix is a diverse mix of technologies that generates 300 million kWh annually. 3% of the mix comes from 630 solar PV systems totaling 10 MW. 34% comes from 24 biogas facilities totally 15 MW. And 63% comes from 71 wind turbines totaling 108 MW. There is also some small river-based hydropower. Lüchow-Dannenberg has taken its renewable energy efforts beyond electricity to also include the heating and transportation sectors. For instance, the village of Jameln has a biogas fueling station for vehicles, and the village of Püggen heats all its homes with a combined heat and power plant. One school in Dannenberg is heated entirely from wood chips derived from local forest waste. The district has also created a higher education institution called the Renewable Energy Academy, which offers a range of coursework pertaining to renewables, including science, law, finance and management.

  • Population: 48,357 (2017)
  • Area: 1,220 km2 (470 sq mi)
  • Link: Masterplan „100% Klimaschutz in Lüchow-Dannenberg
Wet meadow landscape, Lüchow-Dannenberg, Germany