The energy landscape is shaped by cities. 72% of the European population (EU28) lives in urban areas – defined as cities, towns and suburbs. Globally, cities account for about two-thirds of primary energy demand and 70% of total energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The energy and carbon footprint of urban areas will increase with urbanisation and the growing economic activity of urban citizens. The decarbonisation of cities and city districts presents an imperative and an obvious area of priority. Districts, in particular, have specific opportunities to drive the decarbonization efforts as they know best about their local needs and locally available infrastructure and resources.
A 100% renewable energy district makes optimal use of locally available renewable energy sources and waste heat. For historic reasons, cities and towns developed along rivers, lakes and seashores which provide access to environmental heat. All these sources make high and low-temperature renewable energy available, and
their usage is highly replicable because it is accessible right where it is needed. In order to use local sources, municipalities, energy utilities and the industry have to collaborate across sectors.
In the vast majority of urban areas, district energy is technically and economically more viable than individual-based solutions, and can be 100% decarbonised through the use of renewables (biomass, including residues, solar thermal and geothermal energy), waste and environmental heat, and fossil-free cogeneration. Fossil-fuel boilers need to be completely phased out.
The RHC 100% Renewable Energy Districts: 2050 Vision has been prepared by RHC ETIP project partners and includes 15 case studies of 100% RE Districts from all over Europe. Click here to download the document.
EHP uses necessary cookies to enable core functionality such as security and accessibility on this website. We also use optional cookies to improve your user experience. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of these cookies. Read More
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.