The PentaHelix project is developing and testing a new approach for integrating multi-governance planning for sustainable energy, both horizontal and vertical, together with a close interaction with key stakeholders in energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions such as the industry and business, building sector, NGO’s, academia and individual citizens or relevant civil society associations.

The project aims to develop a peer-to-peer online platform for SECAP development that can be used for multiple public authorities in joint planning and implementation. This will enable integration at different administrative levels and geographical planning areas as well as enhance the cost efficiency in the entire planning and implementation process based on economies of scale and closer cooperation and exchange.

What is a SECAP?
SECAP stands for sustainable energy & climate action plans

The action plan (both SEAP and SECAP) is the key document which shows how the Covenant signatory will reach its vision and target. The plan includes an assessment of the current situation, i.e. a Baseline Emission Inventory for the climate mitigation part (both SEAP and SECAP) and a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for the adaptation part (for SECAP only); clearly identified goals and targets; and the measures planned together with time frames, assigned responsibilities and estimated impacts.

Regional PentaHelix Task forces will be established, involving key stakeholder and target groups. These task forces will broaden the scope and impact of the SECAPs by bringing in valuable insights and identifying potential measures, system solutions and a better understanding of drivers and barriers for a more sustainable society and economy in each specific region.

This PentaHelix approach will be piloted in 8 pilot municipalities in Norway, Croatia, Belgium, Spain and Latvia. Each region is unique in terms of demography, economy, urban development, climate conditions and industrial/business structure. Together these pilot areas constitute a large number of inhabitants and potential mitigation of CO2 and energy savings. To further enhance the impact of the project a broad replication and dissemination strategy and actions will be rolled out in many countries in the EU.