11.11.2021 – 17:00

ESPON

Brussels (ots)

Climate and geographical location are two important factors in the development of renewable energy. But on its own, these factors are not enough. This is the conclusion reached by the “Locket” research project on the local dimension of the transition to an emancipation-free economy.

The research project was conducted as part of the ESPON program, which specializes in local analysis, and shows that factors such as socio-economic conditions and the quality of state control influence the ability of cities and regions to generate energy from solar and wind. And water power.

The study sought to answer two central questions: Are there areas and cities where it is easier to harness their potential for renewable energy generation? If so, what factors contribute to increased productivity? To this end, the researchers looked at different production models of regions for renewable energy and compared them to their potential. In doing so, they noticed large differences between the productivity of the states.

Areas in the northern and Baltic seas of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Baltic states, and Scandinavia are more prone to wind power than in other parts of Europe.

According to the study, this possibility depends on the average wind speed and the availability of space for wind turbines.

However, in addition to high-capacity regions in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, the study authors observed that Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Belgium are champions in wind power generation. Romania.

On the other hand, in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, Scandinavia and the Baltic states, the possibilities are not fully exploited. This also applies to solar energy.

Between 2000 and 2010, it developed faster than wind power. In southern Europe, especially in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, the Western Balkans, Romania and Bulgaria, the researchers wrote. In addition to high-potential individual regions such as Italy, solar energy is also developing dynamically in some areas with less sunlight, such as Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland.

In terms of hydropower, the greatest potential can be found in Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Spain. On the other hand, in addition to Norway, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have recorded the highest rates of potential use.

Press Contact:

Nicos Lampropoulos
Press and Media Project Specialist
nikos.lampropoulos@espon.eu
www.espon.eu

Original content: ESPON, broadcast by news aktuell