Energising Cities and Regions – Equitable Energy Transition

In 2019, it is clear that both the developed and developing world need to move urgently towards a decarbonized economy fuelled by 100% renewables and zero carbon emissions. The landmark 2018 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.50C is unambiguous in its clarion call to keep emissions below 1.50C, as time is fast running out in which to effect this. The impact of climate change is already upon us. Society and governments need to act now and this involves an active citizenship.

As this transformation occurs with technology changes bringing about power sector disruption and prices becoming more competitive, it is important to steer change towards ensuring greater levels of access to affordable, clean energy for all, whilst also enabling access by the poor to the opportunities in the emerging sustainable energy economy. In other words a just transition implies that the working class, and in particular the poor, do not have to shoulder the bulk of the burden of shifting to a low carbon, cleaner and more climate resilient society and economy.

Urbanisation is a global phenomenon and is growing. Most energy is consumed in cities which therefore play a pivotal role in a low carbon transition. Cities are the sphere of government closest to the communities they serve and as such hold enormous power to transform the energy and carbon emission profile of countries.

Over the past years, local governments have increasingly used their legislative and purchasing powers to implement change in their own operations and in the wider community. Many cities both large and small have been innovative in the implementation of projects. Champions and city officials have demonstrated an ability to think outside of the box. Despite this much still needs to be achieved.

Long term plans and strategies are an essential ingredient to local level energy transitions and whilst they should pursue the Paris-compatible trajectory, they need to be iterative, responsive and dynamic given the differential circumstances and capabilities of cities worldwide. A participatory design and co-creation process in the development of local strategies, leads to a range of local actors being empowered and having shared responsibility. Moreover, key to the success of plans is the development of achievable levers for implementation that address issues of energy poverty. The workshops will consider support mechanisms and planning to further advance the energy transition in cities (Workshop 1) and then move on to present examples of innovative local action, share and exchange experiences and knowledge (Workshop 2).