Programme

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9:00 – 9:30  Welcome and Registration  

9:30 – 9:35  Opening Remarks:

Welcome address by Thomas KATTNIG, EESC PG Energy President 

9:35 – 9:50  Keynotes 

Representative of European Committee of the Regions (tbd)

Representative of European Commission (tbd)

9:50- 11:00 Panel I: Building local energy sovereignty: decentralised renewable systems for competitive and resilient regions

Decentralised energy systems are becoming a cornerstone of resilient and sustainable cities. This panel will examine how local authorities can accelerate the deployment of locally-managed renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and geothermal energy and heat pumps. It will also explore the role of emerging solutions such as biofuels, hydrogen and waste-to-value technologies, alongside smart grids, energy storage and district energy systems, in strengthening local energy security, reducing emissions and bringing energy production closer to consumers.

Moderator:Thomas KATTNIG, EESC PG Energy President 

Speakers:

  • Eero AILIO, Adviser for Energy Transition and Local Governance, European Commission 
  • Filip VAN DE VELDE, Head of the Climate Team, City of Ghent
  • Pauline DULONGCOURTY, Policy Officer for utilities, EPSU
  • Davide SABBADIN,  Policy Manager, European Environmental Bureau

11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break

11:30 – 12:50 Panel II: A community-driven, affordable clean transition 

The clean energy transition can only succeed if citizens are active participants rather than passive consumers. This panel will explore how cities can foster social acceptance, strengthen community ownership of renewable energy projects and empower consumers through innovative governance and financing models. Discussions will highlight local initiatives that make clean energy affordable, inclusive and beneficial for communities, reinforcing energy citizenship and ensuring that the transition delivers tangible social and economic value for local communities.

Moderator: Thomas KATTNIG, EESC PG Energy President 

Speakers:

  • Representive of Citizen energy Advisor Hub (tbd)
  • Els BRUGGEMAN, Group Manager Policy, Enforcement and Communication, Euroconsumers 
  • Donna GARTLAND, CEO, Codema Dublin's Energy Agency (online)
  • Jonathan BONADIO, Head of Policy at REScoop.eu 
  • Caterina AUGUSTO, Head of System integration, Solar Power Europe 

12:50 – 13:00 Closing remarks: Marcin NOWACKI, EESC TEN Section President