Strasbourg Revisions Energy Strategy Following Geothermal Crisis
Strasbourg's updated energy plan focuses on renewable goals post-geothermal crisis.
Key Points
- • Strasbourg's energy strategy updated due to geothermal crisis from 2019-2021.
- • Goal to halve energy consumption and utilize 100% renewable energy by 2050.
- • Plans to quadruple homes accessing decarbonized heating networks by 2030.
- • Emphasis on integrating energy policies across all public sectors.
Strasbourg's deputy mayor Mark Hoffsess has outlined the city's updated energy transition strategy during the European Assizes on Ecological Transition. This revision comes in response to a geothermal crisis between 2019 and 2021, which saw earthquakes and led to the abandonment of a major geothermal project in the area. The new plans aim to significantly reduce energy consumption and transition to renewable sources, with a target of achieving 100% renewable energy for remaining usage by 2050.
The ambitious strategy includes a plan to halve energy consumption from around 11,000 TWh and increase decarbonized heating networks from serving 20,000 homes to 80,000 by 2030. Additionally, Strasbourg aims to ramp up its solar power capacity from the current 20 MW to 85 MW by 2030, eventually striving for 1100 MW by 2050.
Hoffsess emphasized the pressing need for social support for households that may struggle to adopt less polluting vehicles, especially with the recent suspension of legal frameworks for low-emission zones which aimed to reduce carbon emissions from mobility. Moreover, he insisted on the importance of integrating energy considerations into all public policies and ensuring consistency, citing contradictions such as the revival of pesticide usage against energy sobriety goals. A locally focused approach towards energy sovereignty and adequate financial backing for local initiatives were also highlighted as essential aspects of the strategy.