This chapter draws on the results of a research project (Climencored) in order to contribute to this debate; The Climencored project was carried out from 2011 to 2015 by four research laboratories in collaboration with the CLER-Energy Transition Network association. It provided us with the occasion to draw up an inventory of innovative local experiments in the climate-energy field in France in 2012 and to analyse the socio-historic processes behind the emergence of some of these experiments. Here, the term ‘innovative’ applies to local experiments that gave shape to visions of local sustainable energy futures by evolving their energy mix (e.g., energy savings; installed energy production capacity [photovoltaic solar, wind or biomass …]; heating networks…) or designing/implementing new approaches to energy savings, production or supply (e.g., tradesmen collectives offering comprehensive energy renewal packages, citizen-funded or co-operative renewable energy projects, co-operative energy providers…). Our results relate as much to methodological challenges as to the content of innovative experiments. They allow for a better understanding of the conditions under which innovative local experiences can emerge and lead on to solution-oriented recommendations.