Abstract
Issues in the area of climate change and in the energy sector are closely related and of great relevance. Policymakers, be they at a local or at an international level, are invited to develop intersectoral strategies that take into account territorial socio-economic characteristics within the framework of global goals. Italy is a highly energy-dependent country, but with a great potential in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy and can meet the challenges raised by the European legislation with inter-institutional collaborations in these areas. South Tyrol has a long tradition in the energy field and aims at becoming an internationally recognized “Klimaland”. The possibility of a cooperation between the public and the private sector in accordance with the European guidelines, like the 2014–2020 ERDF Investment for Growth and Jobs programme, sets new challenges and opportunities for South Tyrolean energy policy. It will have to take into account territorial strengths and needs, and comply with the planned investments for the implementation of a national Strategy in the energy sector.