Decentralising Europe's Energy Systems: Diverse Perspectives in National Roadmaps

As the European Union (EU) progresses towards an energy transition to mitigate climate change, the concept of decentralization has attained increasing prominence as a potential pathway. This study conducts a systematic comparative analysis of decentralization conceptualizations within the pivotal National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) for 2030 and Long-Term Strategies (LTSs) out to 2050. Textual analysis of 28 NECP and 24 LTS documents surfaces 313 mentions of “decentralization”, revealing multiplicity across member states’ outlooks regarding strategic decentralization prioritizations and definitions.

While technical dimensions of localized renewables and distributed infrastructure predominate, particular member states delineate decentralization’s transformative breadth more expansively—entailing substantial disruptions to conventional centralized paradigms across social, political and economic dimensions. Appreciable divergence also emerges regarding motivations, spanning improved resilience, efficiency and environmental performance. Inter-temporal comparisons expose profound integration of governance and participation considerations in LTSs, contrasting NECPs’ emphases on technical and financial aspects.

Notably, France's 2023 NECP draft indicates a potential reversal towards re-centralization - lowering renewable targets and contemplating extended nuclear reliance. Such outliers highlight complex interplays between national circumstances and priorities amidst the bloc’s overarching decentralizing course.

As ascending decentralization restructures Europe’s energy paradigm, these findings furnish insights into member states’ transitional outlooks, trends and intricacies. This informs governance to facilitate coherent, cooperative decarbonization aligned with decentralization’s multifaceted essence and diverse national manifestations.