|18 October 2016|
A new report is calling on cities to take action and scale up their use of renewable energy to better support the transition to a low carbon economy.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released a report today titled Renewable Energy in Cities which sets out how cities – which account for 65% of global energy use – can accelerate their switch to renewables.
With cities currently only getting around 20% of their energy from renewable sources, the report says it is vital for key stakeholders to work together now and develop the strategies needed to rapidly improve on this figure. The IRENA report wants planners, regulators and financiers to focus their attentions on energy use in buildings, on transport and in creating integrated urban energy systems.
The report also highlights current best practices and the policies cities need to adopt to meet their climate change responsibilities.
“Cities can play a transformative role in leading the world to a clean and sustainable energy future. We have to rethink the entire urban energy landscape, which requires rigorous planning and holistic decision-making. Renewable energy, combined with energy efficiency, will power the future growth of cities. We must ensure this transition happens as soon as possible,” ” said Adnan Z. Amin, IRENA Director-General.
“By 2050, urban populations are expected to double, making urbanisation one of this century’s most transformative trends. Now is the time to grow with renewables, leapfrog dirty technology, and create cities of the future that people are proud to call home.”