REenergising Cities

This high-level event took place on the second day of the UN Habitat III meeting, co-hosted by IRENA and the Governments of Ecuador, Germany and the UAE. The event showcased the innovative and transformative role of renewable energy and energy efficiency in cities and highlighted examples of successful policy frameworks and other best practice. The priority areas for action to capitalise on the opportunities renewables present in three key sectors: transport, buildings and power generation were discussed in a two sessions:

• Session 1: Cities Leading the Way: what have we achieved?
• Session 2: Urban Energy Systems of the Future: the role of renewables

Home to half the global population, and generating two-thirds of global emissions, cities have a critical role to play in charting the course to a sustainable energy future. IRENA estimates that doubling the share of renewables in the global energy mix by 2030, supported by energy efficiency would meet the development and climate objectives of the 2030 Agenda. The renewable energy deployment must increase six-fold in order to achieve a doubling. IRENA published a report on Renewable Energy in Cities which was launched at the event.

The Programme of the event and further information is available here.