Regions in focus: Cross-border cooperation does not only have to take place at the national or European level. Border regions can also move forward together – including in the energy sector. INFRAS has conducted a study on the advantages, hurdles, and possibilities for regional cooperation in the energy transition.
Energy issues do not stop at borders. A common energy market and solidarity between nation-states have been able to mitigate the impacts of the 2022/2023 energy crisis in Europe. The energy transition to renewable, decentralized energy technologies also shows that cross-border cooperation and the reduction of national solo efforts are crucial. Border regions can play an important role in this cooperation. INFRAS has conducted a study on this for the Working Group of the Alpine Region (ARGE ALP) and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Action options for ten Alpine regions and Liechtenstein
The aim of the study was to analyze the role of energy supply in the border area of the ARGE ALP regions and Liechtenstein: What advantages does cross-border cooperation offer, and where are the barriers? The study also outlines possible action options for deepening cooperation.
The ARGE ALP includes the Swiss cantons of Graubünden, St. Gallen, and Ticino, the German state of Bavaria, the Austrian states of Salzburg, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg, as well as the Italian regions of Lombardy, South Tyrol, and Trentino.
Possible actions and demands at various levels
The report is structured around six guiding questions. It includes an analysis of the current and potential cross-border cooperation, political competencies and instruments available to regional energy policy, and existing hurdles in the energy sector.
The report also makes recommendations for ARGE ALP and the Principality of Liechtenstein for demands at the European and national levels, as well as for their own measures at the regional level to promote the energy transition locally.
The study is based on an evaluation of scientific and grey literature. INFRAS also analyzed regional energy and climate strategies and summarized them in fact sheets. The study was deepened by a survey of regional energy offices and interviews with experts from administration, research, and politics
Further information (in German):
- Final report (italian version here)
- Presentation of the final report
- Press release of the Canton of St. Gallen (member of ARGE ALP)
Other INFRAS projects on the subject of energy supply and the energy transition:
Project team
