Decarbonisation starts locally – empowering cities and regions for Europe’s energy transition.

Cities are responsible for 71–76% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which places them at the epicentre of both the climate challenge and climate solutions. While the EU and national governments set strategic direction, local and regional authorities are responsible for implementing 90% of the EU's climate adaptation policies on the ground, together with their citizens. It is therefore essential to empower them if we are to achieve our climate‑neutrality objectives and increase our strategic energy autonomy.

The conference sets out to explore the importance of the energy transition closer to households and business on the ground, focusing on both urban energy supply management and the shift to active energy consumers. Together, these actions reinforce security of supply, reduce energy prices and bolster local energy autonomy. 

The event will revolve around two panels discussing:

• Building local energy sovereignty through decentralised renewable energy systems, smart grids, energy storage and innovative clean technologies.
• A community-driven affordable clean transition, empowering citizens as active participants in the energy transition through inclusive governance, community ownership and affordable clean energy solutions.

Interpretation will be provided in German