Energy Autonomy

Introduction ix

Part 1. Self-Sufficiency, an Operational Concept 1

Chapter 1. The Two Autonomies 3
1.1. An old political and technical project 3
1.2. Autonomy of individuals 10

Chapter 2. New Perspectives on Production and Consumption 15
2.1. More numerous and "local" means of production 16
2.2. Improved energy efficiency and new levers to control demand 21

Chapter 3. Distinguish Between Self-Sufficiency and Self-Consumption 27
3.1. Self-sufficiency: a layered concept 27
3.1.1. Spontaneous self-sufficiency 27
3.1.2. Partial self-sufficiency 30
3.1.3. Extended self-sufficiency 30
3.2. Self-consumption, a convergence of technology and economics 34
3.2.1. Principle 34
3.2.2. Self-consumption and grid connection 38
3.3. Vehicle autonomy and self-sufficiency 44

Chapter 4. Measuring Self-Sufficiency and Self-Consumption 49
4.1. Satisfying oneâs needs 49
4.2. Measuring, easy to say⦠53

Chapter 5. Self-Sufficiency on a Territorial Scale 61
5.1. A network organization 61
5.2. An interconnected set 65

Chapter 6. Self-Sufficiency as an Analytical Tool 81
6.1. Knowing the level of self-sufficiency, a prerequisite 81
6.2. Calculation of self-sufficiency 87

Part 2. The Energy Autonomy of Territories, a Legal Issue 97

Chapter 7. Local Authorities Territories, Framework of the New Energy System 99
7.1. From territory to territories: the perimeter transition 101
7.2. The territory of local authorities, a consistent perimeter 106

Chapter 8. Energy, a "New" Competence 111
8.1. Competences for omnipresent local authorities 111
8.2. A broad spectrum of intervention 117

Chapter 9. Autonomy Seen Through Positive Energy Territories 123
9.1. TEPOS: deciding and doing things "locally" 123
9.2. Regionalization and "nationalization" of positive energy territories 137

Chapter 10. "Autonomy", from Slogan to Instrument 143
10.1. The local authority as a coordinator and catalyst 143
10.2. Autonomy as a means of communication and development 147

Chapter 11. Energy Autonomy: Local Authorities Within a Sovereign State 159
11.1. Autonomy and free administration 159
11.2. The issue of financing 167

Chapter 12. The Value of a Legal Perspective 171
12.1. Coexistence of autonomous territories 171
12.2. A pragmatic approach 175

Chapter 13. Territorial Energy Independence: A State Issue and a Nonsense for a Community 185
13.1. Autonomy and independence 185
13.2. Specific issues of independence 188

Conclusion 195

References 203

Index 223