Loos-en-Gohelle A participatory energy transition

The structural change of the commune of Loos-en-Gohelle, which was previously a coal mining area, into a model of sustainable urban development is largely based on its participatory governance approach. In 2000, the commune adopted its Charte du Cadre de vie, which clearly defined sustainable development and introduced an institutionalized citizen’s forum. The city adopted a systemic view of participatory sustainable development from early on, with one central axis being energy efficiency and conservation through the development of renewable energy sources. Today, the target is to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2050. To further expand the local development of sustainable energy sources, the commune decided on a Solar Plan. Wanting to stay independent from external investors, the commune developed alternative financing and business models, most notably the community energy project-company Mine de soleil was founded in 2019, where 128 citizens and the commune are part of the 1