Cities need data-driven approaches for energy transition, says report

Improved access for cities to data for decision making would support faster and more targeted implementation of energy and climate goals, says a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The paper highlights how urban planning, digitalisation and grid investment can help cities manage the impacts of climate change and growing energy demand.

Cities currently account for around three-quarters of global energy consumption and 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, which is set to rise. Despite this, only one in five cities has set a target to reach net zero emissions.

“Digital technologies can provide enormous benefits for climate and power system resilience, while also ensuring energy that is delivered at the lowest possible price,” said Carolina Merighi, Associate Programme Management Officer, UNEP during a webinar that launched the report. “There is a clear need for pilot projects to quantify the impacts, as well as demonstrate in the world that these business models can work for consumers for businesses and for the planet.”

The report suggests creating enabling environments at the city level for scalable pilot projects, and notes that integrated urban and power system planning – together with improved data sharing – are crucial to maintain electricity security and prioritise people in clean energy transitions.

Digital solutions and systems can be particularly powerful in cities, where high-density environments create economies of scale and can optimise infrastructure and create new opportunities. The number of connected sensors and devices is set to rise sharply by 2030, according to the report.

Ana Lisa Boni, Deputy Mayor of Bologna, and former Secretary General of Eurocities, highlighted how her city is taking action to further decarbonise the city.

“We decided to have a digital twin to help us and to invest millions from our own municipal budget because we believe this is a winning bet,” she said. “And also because of our specific context that is very much related to our track record in terms of digital innovation. We were the first city to set up a civic internet network in Europe in the 1990s.”

The paper provides insights on emerging best practices, innovative approaches and how barriers and challenges can be tackled. And it focuses on ways national governments can help cities accelerate clean, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions and ensure resilience and ability to adapt to climate change.

Merighi added: “We strongly believe that strengthening international collaboration and knowledge sharing is vital to develop common standards to identify areas where innovation can be leveraged, to accelerate and optimize progress in the urban energy transition.”

Image: John Johnson | Dreamstime.com