The European Framework of Mediterranean Smart Cities. MEETINK Energy Project. A research experience

The Directive 2012/27/EU establishes a set of binding measures to help the EU in reaching its 20% Energy Efficiency (EE) target by 20201. Under the Directive, all EU countries are required to use energy more efficiently at all stages of the energy chain from its production to its final consumption and to transpose the Directive’s provisions into their national laws by June 5th, 2014. On one side, public authorities play a key role in the reduction of EU energy consumption and the increase of renewable energy capacity2. Member States (MS) must produce and implement National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs) and National Renewable Energy Action Plans, furthermore they have the obligation to produce detailed action plans in specific sectors such as the renovation of buildings or the application of high-efficiency cogeneration and efficient district heating and cooling systems. Local and regional authorities are also developing plans at their own level and other public authorities play an important role too. National energy regulatory authorities should provide incentives for grid operators (heat, cold and electricity) to enable network users to produce renewable energy and implement energy efficiency measures. Secondly, Covenant of Mayors (CoM) holds a pivotal role in achieving the Europe targets set by the EU Climate Action and Energy Package. Nevertheless, due to a number of barriers, municipalities in many countries are hesitant in adhering to the CoM or preparing and implementing the necessary Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP): very often these plans are set up as individual actions, not interconnected with regional energy efficiency policies and measures and without a well-defined governance framework. The energy efficiency planning requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving different actors (at local, regional and national scale), large number of stakeholders as well as different types of energy contracts. Besides, very often local authorities and municipalities do not have enough expertise and appropriate staff to manage this complex area.