Implementing a territorial strategy for renewable energy is a bit like planning a grand journey. You start by looking at where you are, then you decide where you want to go and how to get there. A master plan is precisely this map that guides us. It helps to understand how best to use local resources, such as the sun or wind, to produce cleaner energy. This is important for the environment, but also for the local economy, as it can create jobs and reduce our dependence on energy that comes from afar. So, how do we go about building this roadmap? That’s what we’re going to look at.

Key Points to Remember

• A renewable energy master plan is a roadmap for developing clean energy in a region, taking into account production and distribution.
• The development of renewable energy is essential for the energy transition and the fight against climate change, with clear national objectives.
• Developing a master plan involves several stages: a comprehensive diagnosis, evaluation of local potential, and definition of a clear trajectory.
• The strategy must include a concrete action plan, project funding, and a deployment schedule, while ensuring the sustainability of actions.
• Regular monitoring and adaptation of the strategy are necessary to stay aligned with objectives, technological and regulatory developments.

Understanding the role of a renewable energy master plan

A renewable energy master plan (SDE) serves as a roadmap for structuring the development of green energy in a region. It offers a clear vision of the current situation, helps to define precise objectives, and proposes concrete actions to achieve them. It is an essential tool for local authorities and businesses wishing to commit to the energy transition.

Definition and objectives of a master plan

A renewable energy master plan is a strategic document that establishes short, medium, and long-term planning for the development of renewable energy in a given region. Its main objective is to guide local stakeholders in implementing a coherent and ambitious energy policy. It aims to identify renewable energy production potential, optimise consumption, and define the necessary investments.

The importance of renewable energy in the energy transition

The development of renewable energy is at the heart of the energy transition. It allows us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and combat climate change. Regions have a major role to play in accelerating this transition by promoting clean and local energy sources. The SDE is a means of aligning local actions with national and international objectives.

Territorial benefits of renewable energy development

Developing renewable energy in a region brings numerous advantages. These include the creation of local jobs, strengthening energy independence, reducing supply costs, and better management of natural resources. A well-designed SDE maximises these benefits by promoting an integrated and concerted approach to energy development. For example, the Grand Lyon has implemented its Energy Master Plan to structure the development of renewable energy in its region.

Here are some key benefits:

• Reduction of local energy bills.
• Creation of non-relocatable jobs.
• Improvement of air quality.
• Strengthening territorial resilience to energy crises.

The development of a master plan is a structuring process that allows for a shift from ad hoc actions to a global and coherent energy strategy.

Key steps to develop your master plan

Developing a master plan for renewable energy is a structured process that requires a methodical approach. It involves moving from a global vision to concrete actions, ensuring that each phase contributes to the ultimate goal of energy transition.

Conducting a comprehensive energy assessment

The first step is to draw an accurate picture of the current energy situation of your region or organisation. This involves rigorous data collection relating to the consumption, production, and distribution of energy in all its forms (electricity, gas, heat, etc.). The objective is to understand existing flows, identify the main consumption items, and pinpoint inefficiencies. This diagnosis forms the foundation upon which the entire future strategy will rest. It helps to highlight strengths to capitalise on and weaknesses to correct.

• Collection of consumption data by usage.
• Mapping of existing energy infrastructures.
• Identification of potential energy saving opportunities.

A thorough analysis of current data is essential for defining realistic objectives and targeted actions.

Evaluating renewable energy potential in the region

Once the diagnosis is established, it is necessary to explore the locally available renewable resources. This means analysing the potential of each relevant renewable energy source for your region: solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, etc. For each identified technology, it is necessary to estimate its technical feasibility, installation cost, return on investment, and expected gains, both economically and environmentally. This evaluation allows for the selection of the most suitable and promising solutions for your energy transition plan.

Defining a technical and financial roadmap

The final step is to translate the analyses and identified potentials into a concrete action plan. This involves defining alternative energy scenarios, taking into account available funding constraints and opportunities. A clear trajectory must then be built, including a detailed action plan, a deployment schedule, and a projection of CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The sustainability of actions is ensured by implementing rigorous monitoring and continuous adaptation of the strategy to technological and regulatory developments, such as the possibility of selling your surplus electricity.

• Development of alternative energy scenarios.
• Identification of funding schemes and subsidies.
• Construction of an operational deployment schedule.

Energy diagnosis: the foundation of your strategy

Before you can define a territorial strategy for renewable energy, it is essential to carry out a thorough energy diagnosis. This step serves as the foundation for any planning and energy optimisation approach. It allows for a precise understanding of where and how energy is consumed in the region, in order to identify the most relevant areas for improvement.

Collection and analysis of consumption data

The first action consists of gathering all data related to energy consumption in the region. This includes historical and current data, broken down by sector (residential, tertiary, industrial, agricultural), by type of energy (electricity, gas, fuel oil, wood, etc.) and by use (heating, lighting, transport, industrial processes). A rigorous analysis of this data makes it possible to identify trends, pinpoint the main consumption items, and assess overall energy efficiency. A detailed understanding of these flows is key to effectively guiding future actions. It is often useful to rely on energy management tools to facilitate this collection and analysis Territorial Climate Air Energy Plan.

Mapping of energy uses and infrastructures

Once the data has been collected, it needs to be visualised and organised. The mapping of energy uses allows for a spatial representation of high-consumption areas, the types of equipment used, and existing energy infrastructures (electricity, gas, heat networks, etc.). This visual representation helps to identify potential synergies between different stakeholders or geographical areas, as well as the specific needs of each sector. It highlights the weaknesses of the current network and opportunities for improvement or development of new infrastructures.

Identification of energy saving opportunities

The analysis of the energy diagnosis must lead to the clear identification of energy saving potentials. This can be achieved through several levers: improving building insulation, replacing inefficient equipment, optimising industrial processes, or raising user awareness of best practices. The aim is to quantify these potentials in terms of avoided kWh and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These opportunities represent the first step towards defining consumption reduction targets and developing a concrete action plan. An energy audit can provide valuable insights for this step energy audit.

The energy diagnosis is not an end in itself, but the essential starting point for building a relevant and effective territorial strategy for renewable energy and energy sobriety.

Potential assessment and solution identification

Once you have a clear picture of your current energy situation, the next step is to explore what is possible. This involves identifying the renewable resources available in your region and determining which technologies would be most appropriate to exploit them. This requires a thorough analysis of the potential, whether it’s sunlight for solar, available biomass, or other local sources.

Analysis of local renewable resources

It is important to fully understand the natural resources available in your region. This may include:

• Solar potential: Evaluate the available surface area on roofs, unused land, and average solar irradiation.
• Biomass: Identify local sources such as agricultural waste, forestry waste, or organic residues.
• Wind energy: Examine areas suitable for the development of wind farms, taking into account landscape and regulatory constraints.
• Geothermal energy: Study the feasibility of exploiting terrestrial heat.

Identification of suitable technologies (solar, biomass, etc.)

After identifying the resources, the most relevant technologies must be chosen. For example, for solar, photovoltaic for electricity or thermal for heating can be considered. For biomass, this can range from direct combustion to biogas production. It is also necessary to consider the integration of these systems into existing infrastructures, such as heat networks. The energy efficiency of equipment, such as those used in HVAC, should not be overlooked, and evaluation tools can help choose the most efficient ones, taking into account their nominal power and energy consumption [4b08].

Estimation of costs, return on investment, and gains

Each identified solution must be evaluated from an economic perspective. This means estimating initial investment costs, operating and maintenance costs, as well as expected gains, whether in terms of reduced energy bills or potential revenue. Calculating the return on investment (ROI) is essential for prioritising projects and ensuring their financial viability. It is also necessary to consider available aid and subsidies that can improve the profitability of renewable energy projects.

The economic analysis must be as rigorous as the technical analysis to guarantee the success of renewable energy projects.

Scenario construction and trajectory definition

Once the potentials have been identified, it’s time to build scenarios to guide your energy strategy. This involves constructing several possible visions for the evolution of your region, taking into account different parameters. This allows for a better understanding of the impacts of each choice and the selection of the most relevant trajectory.

Development of alternative energy scenarios

Several approaches can be used to construct these scenarios. Assumptions regarding the development of renewable energy, changes in consumption, or support policies can be varied. For example, one scenario might prioritise the rapid development of photovoltaic solar, while another would focus more on local biomass. The idea is to propose distinct visions, ranging from a cautious trajectory to a more ambitious one. It is important to present these scenarios clearly, detailing the associated actions and expected results in terms of energy production and emissions reduction.

Consideration of funding constraints and opportunities

Each scenario must be evaluated from the perspective of its financial feasibility. Potential funding sources must be identified, whether public subsidies, tax relief schemes, or private financing. The analysis of investment costs, operating expenses, and return on investment is essential. For example, the development of solar energy in France benefits from aid schemes that can make certain projects more attractive. Regulatory constraints and opportunities related to energy markets must also be considered. Modelling these financial aspects is a key step to ensure the long-term viability of projects. You can consult the available aid schemes for the development of photovoltaics.

Modelling CO2 emission and consumption trajectories

For each scenario, it is necessary to quantify the expected impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy consumption. This involves projecting the evolution of consumption based on planned actions (renovation, new installations) and calculating the resulting emissions reductions. A graphical representation of these trajectories, often in the form of curves, allows for visualising progress made and comparing different scenarios. The Terristory tool can help simulate these evolutions and construct coherent trajectories.

Scenario construction allows for a shift from a static vision to a dynamic vision of energy transition, exploring different paths to achieve the set objectives.

Operational and financial planning of your strategy

Once you have a clear vision of your potential and possible scenarios, it’s time to bring your project to fruition. This involves transforming these analyses into a concrete and achievable action plan, both technically and financially. It’s about moving from theory to practice, ensuring that each step is well-defined and that the necessary resources are identified.

Establishment of a detailed action plan

The action plan is the core of your operational strategy. It details the steps needed to achieve your renewable energy objectives. Each action must be clearly defined, with assigned responsibilities, precise deadlines, and performance indicators to measure success. Remember to organise these actions by priority, taking into account their technical feasibility, potential impact, and available resources. A well-structured plan helps to stay on track and avoid deviations.

• Define priority projects (e.g., installation of solar panels on rooftops, optimisation of heat networks).
• Establish a realistic timetable for the implementation of each project.
• Identify key stakeholders to involve (internal and external).
• Plan for training or recruitment needs to support deployment.

Identification of subsidies and funding schemes

Funding is often a sensitive point in the development of renewable energy projects. It is therefore essential to actively seek all available aid. This may include public subsidies, tax credits, support mechanisms such as Energy Savings Certificates (CEE), or innovative financing schemes such as third-party financing or green bonds. A good understanding of these schemes can significantly reduce the cost of your investments and improve the profitability of your projects. Do not hesitate to seek expert assistance to optimise your financial structure. The goal is to find the most suitable solutions for a region or a business.

Construction of a deployment schedule

The deployment schedule adds a time dimension to your action plan. It involves sequencing the different phases of your projects, from design to commissioning, including technical studies, administrative authorisations, and works. A clear schedule allows for visualising progress, anticipating potential delays, and coordinating different interventions. It is important that this schedule is realistic and takes into account operational constraints and dependencies between tasks. For example, the installation of photovoltaic panels on a farm can be planned in parallel with crop protection using agricultural solar canopies.

Operational and financial planning is the concrete translation of your ambition in renewable energy. It transforms a strategic vision into a series of measurable and funded actions, thus guaranteeing progress towards your energy transition objectives.

Implementation and sustainability of energy performance

Once your strategy is defined, it’s time to move to concrete action. This involves selecting the projects that best align with your objectives, whether environmental or economic. It’s not just about launching initiatives, but about ensuring they are part of a long-term vision for your region. Consider energy renovation projects for your public buildings, for example, or the development of local renewable energy production. The idea is to make these actions sustainable.

• Identify and select concrete projects
• Integrate environmental and economic objectives
• Ensure the sustainability of committed actions

The sustainability of actions relies on rigorous planning and a long-term vision. It is essential to ensure that selected projects are not only feasible today, but will remain relevant and effective in the years to come, adapting to technological and regulatory changes. This is a continuous commitment to better energy performance.

Monitoring and adapting your energy roadmap

Once your energy master plan is in place, the work doesn’t stop there. It is essential to closely monitor project progress and adjust your strategy over time. This ensures that you stay on track to achieve your energy performance and renewable energy development objectives.

Implementing rigorous project monitoring

It is important to establish clear indicators to measure the progress of each action. This may include monitoring energy consumption, renewable energy production, financial savings achieved, or CO2 emission reductions. A dashboard can be very useful for visualising this data.

Indicator	Objective	Achievement	Deviation
Electricity Consumption (MWh)	500	480	-20
Solar Production (MWh)	150	165	+15
CO2 Emissions (tCO2)	100	95	-5

Adjusting the strategy based on data and needs

The data collected during monitoring will help you identify what is working well and what could be improved. Perhaps a project is taking longer than expected, or a new, more efficient technology has emerged. You must be prepared to adapt your action plan accordingly. For example, if you find that collective self-consumption [0743] generates greater benefits than anticipated, you might consider expanding this type of project.

Agility is key to a successful energy strategy. You must be able to react to changes and new opportunities to maximise long-term benefits.

Technological and regulatory watch for policy evolution

The energy sector is constantly evolving. It is therefore necessary to stay informed about new technologies, regulatory developments, and available financial aid. This will allow you to keep your strategy up-to-date and continue to innovate. For example, initiatives like the Archipel project [e9ee] can offer new perspectives for territorial adaptation to climate challenges.

• Monitoring advancements in energy storage.
• Analysis of new regulations on positive energy buildings.
• Identification of funding opportunities for ecological engineering projects [f252].

Technical and financial expertise at the service of your project

To successfully develop and implement your energy master plan, surrounding yourself with the right skills is a decisive step. It’s not just about understanding the technical challenges, but also about mastering the financial and regulatory aspects that frame the energy transition. An integrated approach, combining technical know-how and financial vision, is essential to build a robust and sustainable strategy.

Specialised engineering by sector of activity

Each region or business has specific characteristics that require in-depth analysis. Our engineering teams are organised by sector of activity and by area of technical expertise (thermal, refrigeration, lighting, mobility, carbon management, renewable energy, etc.). This specialisation allows for precise diagnostics and the proposal of solutions truly adapted to your context. Whether you are a local authority looking to optimise its heat networks or an industrial company wishing to install photovoltaic panels, we have the skills to support you. For example, for solar projects, it is essential to thoroughly analyse the production potential based on sunlight and available surface area, a task we can carry out for you, as Solencia.net does for industrial projects.

Diagnostic and scenario simulation tools

We use high-performance internal tools to carry out detailed energy diagnostics and simulate different optimisation scenarios. These simulations allow us to evaluate the potential impact of various actions on your energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and budget. We can thus construct several possible trajectories, taking into account your objectives (ambitious or progressive) and implementation constraints.

Here are the main elements analysed during this phase:

• Current energy consumption: Detailed analysis by use and by building.
• Renewable energy potential: Identification of local resources (solar, biomass, geothermal, etc.).
• Energy efficiency solutions: Identification of savings opportunities (insulation, system optimisation, etc.).
• Costs and return on investment: Estimation of necessary investments and expected gains.

The development of alternative scenarios is a key step. It allows for visualising different paths for improvement and choosing the one that best matches your overall strategy, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Support in implementation and financing

Once your master plan is established and your trajectory defined, the support doesn’t stop there. Our financial engineering teams help you identify the most relevant funding schemes: subsidies, bonuses (such as energy savings certificates), leasing solutions, third-party financing, CAPEX/OPEX arrangements, etc. We guide you in preparing applications and structuring the financing of your projects. Furthermore, we can support you in the operational implementation of your action plan, whether as project management assistance (AMO), energy performance contract (CPE), or turnkey project management. Our monitoring platform, GreenFlex IQ, then allows you to track the performance of your actions over the long term.

Integrating energy performance as a lever for decarbonisation

Energy performance represents a major pathway to reduce your region’s carbon footprint. By acting on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions associated with it are directly reduced. This is an approach that goes beyond simply cutting bills; it actively contributes to the fight against climate change.

Reduction of energy consumption

Reducing the amount of energy needed for the same service is the first logical step. This involves improving building insulation, optimising heating and cooling systems, or replacing energy-intensive equipment with more efficient alternatives. For example, the tertiary decree imposes consumption reduction targets for tertiary buildings, highlighting the importance of these actions.

• Improvement of building envelope (insulation, airtightness).
• Modernisation of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) systems.
• Replacement of lighting with LED technologies.
• Optimisation of industrial and tertiary processes.

Energy sobriety, by changing uses, perfectly complements technical gains in performance.

Diversification of the energy mix towards renewables

Once consumption is reduced, it is relevant to cover the remaining needs with renewable energy sources. This allows for moving away from fossil fuels and reducing dependence on imported energy. Analysing local potential is therefore crucial to identify the most suitable solutions for your region.

Renewable Source	Local Potential	Adapted Technology
Photovoltaic Solar	High	Roofs, canopies, ground-mounted plants
Biomass	Medium	Wood-fired boilers, methanisation
Wind	Variable	Onshore or offshore wind turbines
Geothermal	Low to High	Heat pumps, heat networks

Contribution to the fight against climate change

By combining reduced consumption and the use of renewable energy, your region is concretely committing to the ecological transition. This results in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to national and international objectives. The implementation of an energy transition plan is a concrete way to structure this approach and measure its impacts.

Making energy performance an asset to reduce our impact on the planet is a brilliant idea. It helps us pollute less and use cleaner energy. It’s like choosing comfortable shoes to walk further without getting tired!

Want to know more about how to make your home more energy-efficient? Visit our website to discover our solutions.

Conclusion

In summary, the development of a master plan for renewable energy represents a structured and essential approach for any local authority or business wishing to actively engage in the energy transition. It is a tool that allows for a shift from a global vision to concrete actions, taking into account local specificities and development potential. By defining a clear roadmap, integrating realistic objectives and appropriate financial means, regional stakeholders can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also strengthen their energy autonomy and stimulate the local economy. The success of this approach relies on in-depth analysis, rigorous planning, and continuous monitoring of the actions implemented, thus ensuring sustainable performance and a significant contribution to a cleaner energy future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a master plan for renewable energy?

It’s like an action plan for a region. It outlines how to develop clean energy sources like solar or wind, to help the planet and make the region more energy independent.

Why is it important to develop renewable energy?

It’s essential for combating climate change. By using clean energy, we reduce pollution and make better use of our own local resources, which can also create jobs.

How do you start creating this master plan?

You start by looking at how the region currently uses its energy. You examine how much is consumed, where, and how, to identify where savings can be made and renewable energy installed.

How do I know which renewable energies are possible in my region?

You study local resources. For example, if there’s a lot of sun, you consider solar. If there’s agricultural waste, you might consider biomass. You also look at the cost and profitability.

What is a ‘roadmap’ in this context?

It’s a bit like a detailed calendar. It explains what actions to take, when to take them, how much they will cost, and how to find the money, to achieve the set objectives.

How do you ensure the plan works well?

You closely monitor the projects that are launched. If something doesn’t go as planned or if new ideas emerge, you adapt the plan to ensure it remains effective and meets needs.

Do you need help to do all this?

Yes, it’s often helpful to have experts. They can help you understand the situation well, find the best solutions, and secure the necessary funding to carry out the projects.

How does energy performance help reduce pollution?

When you consume less energy, you pollute less. Additionally, if the energy you use comes from the sun or wind, you don’t produce gases that warm the planet. It’s a double benefit for the environment.