Transition cities

Energy transition in coal mining regions is not a new issue, but lately, it has come up often in my newsfeed. I am sure you have heard about the protests against the expansion of a coal mine in the ancient Hambach Forest in Germany. Articles and declarations on the possible consequences of the energy transition on urban environment, regional identities and jobs quickly followed. But the more I read about innovative cities’ actions and renewables transition stories, the less I believe in political discourses supporting business as usual paths.

“Shrinking cities” or transition cities?

Traditional narratives lead us to see an old mining city as a shrinking city, almost like a “ghost town”. A shrinking city is a city that has experienced consistent population loss due to structural changes (e.g. job loss or resource depletion). As a result, its infrastructure has become too big and expensive to maintain. Previous social and financial structures don’t function anymore.
I am not denying the considerable challenges the closing of a coal-mine can bring. But not all mining cities are destined to become ghost towns! The way they will react and adapt to the new situation is what makes the difference. I would like to tell you about two old mining cities who successfully left coal behind. And they improved their citizens’ life in the process!

Loos in transition

Loos-en-Gohelle is a small town of 7000 inhabitants located in the north of France. The city, like its surrounding area, was deeply affected by coal mining industries, active from the 1850s to the 1980s. Once the mines closed, the local administration had to take a very important decision: they could either replace coal-mining by attracting new big industries, or they could try a whole new path. They decided to choose the most forward looking option. Today, Loos-en-Gohelle is a textbook case on how a city can free itself from its dependency on fossil energy.
The actions taken encompassed all sectors, from building renovation, to tourism, green technology and renewable energy generation. For example, when they had to renovate the town church’s roof, the municipality decided to set up a photovoltaic solar installation. The church’s roof now has photovoltaic cells replacing slates. They have been operating since 2013 and provide EUR 5000 in revenue to the municipality each year.

Fuente: ENERGY CITIES
Enlace a la noticia: Transition cities