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The Drechtsteden: moving away from fossil gas and involving residents in the process

The Dutch government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49% compared to 1990 by 2030. This includes the objective to get 1.5 million households off the natural gas grid. The responsibility for this has been allocated to the municipalities. The Drechtsteden, with just short of 300,000 residents, is a small region of seven cooperating municipalities. In order to reduce households’ dependence on fossil gas, several municipalities have begun to construct heat networks using waste incineration, geothermal and aquathermal energy.

How a rural Dutch town is working towards sustainability

The municipality of Horst aan de Maas is situated in south-eastern Netherlands, close to the German border. In 2020 it adopted a new local sustainability policy with four main goals: Horst aan de Maas aims to be a fully climate neutral, climate proof, circular and nature-friendly town by 2050. The population of about 42,000 citizens is highly involved in several sustainability projects. Local businesses and many other stakeholders are also involved. In 2019 the local endeavours were awarded with a European Green Leaf Award.

Niš embarks on a democratic energy transition journey

The city of Niš recognises the potential that democratic decision-making has in terms of bringing about an ambitious energy transition focused on fighting energy poverty. All the relevant actors are now working together on the transition, bridging initial differences of opinion about democratic ownership models and the need to access external resources. By integrating road maps and action plans with a long-term vision, Niš has become a pilot city and role model for other cities in the region.