Increasing the use of renewable energy sources and distributed energy generation is at the heart of the European agenda for energy and climate change. Cities are working on the modernisation of their energy systems and grids in order to produce, supply and distribute cleaner energy. Cleaner energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, diversifies energy supply and reduces our dependence on unreliable and volatile fossil fuel markets (in particular oil and gas).
This thematic area includes local energy generation projects (solar, wind, biomass, etc.), district heating and cooling, and energy generation from waste.
Partner cities are enhancing the proportion of energy derived from sustainable sources through projects such as: expanding the amount of energy from wind power (Amsterdam), biomass district heating scheme for two tower blocks via a new 'wet system' (Gateshead), and the generation of bio-energy from waste (Gijon).
Thematic expert: Wuppertal Institute