The aim of this research is to obtain a better understanding of the dynamics of energy transition in mountain rural areas. This paper analyses the perception energy transition in two mountainous areas and its territorial effects: the valley of the Monachil river in Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain) and the valley of the “Haute Romanche” in Les Ecrins in the French Alps (La Grave, France). It focuses on the perception of geographical, economic, political and social barriers to energy transition in these areas that don´t limit the technological development of renewable energy projects bus act as limiting factors that may hinder their implementation. In addition, it shows the dynamics and opportunities for these areas resulting from recent changes in energy policies in France and Spain, and their impacts at the local scale. First, we review the relevant literature and legislation on energy transition (renewable energy and energy efficiency) in both countries. We then compare the energy transitions in the two areas in order to identify barriers, opportunities and challenges for energy transition by incorporating the main results obtained from the analysis of various surveys and interviews conducted in the study areas between 2019 and 2020 which have been analysed statistically using the IBM SPSS Statistics computer programme. The results of this study demonstrate the main obstacles and facilitators of energy transition in mountain areas as perceived by local communities. The lessons learned from this comparative study can be extrapolated to mountain communities to help them move forward in this area.

1 BELÉN PÉREZ PÉREZ; 2 MARINA FROLOVA IGNATIEVA; 3 MARIE FORGET; 4 FRANCISCO JAVIER RODRÍGUEZ SEGURA
(1) UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA; 2 UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA; 3 UNIVERSITY SAVOIE-MONT BLANC; 4 UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA

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ID Abstract: 460