BEA-APP brings together two perspectives: spatial planning and regional energy policy. 11 partners from eight countries around the Baltic Sea cooperate to support the transition towards low-carbon energy systems through optimised spatial planning.

The BEA-APP partnership involves 11 public authorities, energy agencies and research institutions from 8 Baltic Sea Region countries.

Spatial planners have to find optimal locations for windmills, biomass and solar power plants as well as energy storage systems. At the same time conflicts with competing uses and the environment have to be minimised.

Renewable energy projects often face scepticism and a "not in my backyard" attitude from the local community. Innovative forms of stakeholder involvement can help to get the population on board.

BEA-APP will apply the jointly agreed spatial planning criteria and stakeholder involvement methods to concrete pilot cases.