The need to incorporate energy transition as a determining factor in spatial and urban planning

Abstract

Although firm steps towards the energy transition have been taken for more than thirty years, supported by a certain degree of international political consensus, dissenting voices have emerged in recent years for various reasons. These may generate a degree of public distrust regarding the path to be followed in matters related to the energy transition, both internationally and at the local level in Spain.

The authors of this article seek to contribute to the debate by adopting a clear position, with the aim of preventing urban developments and territorial investments from being adversely affected. In particular, they express their concern about the shortage of electricity grids capable of meeting the energy needs of new housing developments.

This article addresses the necessity and the opportunity that the energy transition represents for Spain, as well as the negative impact of energy planning that is not based on technical criteria.

Furthermore, it argues that the energy transition currently underway, aimed at decarbonising our economy, has multiple implications for spatial planning and urban development. These include, among others, the siting of renewable electricity generation facilities such as solar and wind power plants; the need to take into account extreme precipitation events and prolonged droughts; the sea-level rise; and the construction of electricity grids and district enegy networks. All of these aspeects must be considered from the earliest stages of urban development projects and in spatial planning.

Finally, the article concludes by outlinng the challenges involved in such energy planning, both at the national and urban scales.