Guidelines for improving sustainable design and cooperation in the preparation of local energy concepts (LEK)

In order to meet the demanding energy, climate and environmental goals, Slovenia needs to actively involve municipalities and regions in achieving them, which, with their local knowledge and influence on policy-making, play a key role in the green transition. Local energy concepts (LECs) are a key but underused tool for planning energy efficiency and renewable energy use. An overhaul of the LEK methodology is needed, which should be upgraded in accordance with the new European Energy Efficiency Directive and on the basis of an analysis of the situation in the field of LEK. The Energy Act (EZ-2) stipulates that the local energy concept is the key expert basis for guiding the energy development of local communities. The LEK includes objectives and measures for energy efficiency, the transition to renewable sources, the improvement of air quality and the reduction of energy poverty, and must be in line with national (energy) strategies. It should allow for professionally supported planning that takes into account different sectors, such as energy, transport, environment and space, and includes a seven-year plan for the energy progress of the local community. The proposed upgrade of the LEK methodology focuses on adapting to changing conditions and exploiting local capabilities and potentials, combining existing experience and new knowledge, and improving the implementation of existing arrangements for achieving the RES and RES targets. The upgrade includes a reflection on the needs and possibilities for the preparation of "slimmer" LEK, the unification of mandatory contents and a common framework with objectives and indicators, for which a detailed proposal is also elaborated. In addition, the document proposes to improve the quality and integrity of the analyses, in particular the options regarding RES and RES, and to identify so-called "opportunity zones". It describes the starting points for the renewal of energy guidelines to guide the preparation and evaluation of OPNs and for the introduction of scenario analyses, in particular for local heating and cooling plans. The proposals also include improving action plans and their feasibility, which includes evaluating impacts in the local community and contributing to national objectives, a proposal to better involve stakeholders and the public in energy planning, and improving the system for monitoring and reporting on the progress of LEK. The annex contains the results of an analysis that assesses the compliance of the LEK with the requirements of the Rules and their quality. The report provides an overview of the state of annual reporting on the implementation of the LEK. The results allow an objective assessment of the quality of the LEK and were instrumental in the development of guidelines for improving the design of the LEK.