Cities have an “unprecedented” opportunity to transform and decarbonise energy systems and transition to greener city infrastructure, according to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Renewable Energy in Cities released today (18 October), analyses the overall energy use in 3,649 cities, including London and Aberdeen, and explores how different cities can scale-up renewable energy and green infrastructure by 2030. The report highlights best practices from different cities from around the world and shows what policies would need to be implemented to accommodate the low-carbon transition. The IRENA report also suggests that city actors can accelerate the renewable energy transition at a local level by implementing city acting planners, regulators, financers and operators of urban infrastructure. Pressure has been mounting on UK cities specifically to combat rising energy demand by investing in renewable energy sources as part of a transition to smart cities, in order to cope with growing energy demand. Analysis from Smart Energy GB recently highlighted that electricity demand is set to increase by at least 30% in London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Bristol by 2035. Other groups are calling on substantial policy intervention to promote the low carbon transition in cities across the UK. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has previously called on the then-unannounced London Mayor to set up a publicly-run energy company for London in order to promote low carbon transition for the capital.
Edie 18th Oct 2016 read more »