Title:	Cities as Pioneers of the Energy Transition: Evidence and Challenges From the Covenant of Mayors and the EU Cities Mission
Author(s):	G. Ulpiani, V. Palermo, G. Melica, N. Vetters, P. Bertoldi
Keywords:	Photovoltaic Systems, Climate Neutrality, Covenant of Mayors, 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, greenhouse gas emissions mitigation
Topic:	Energy Transition – Integration, Storage, Sustainability, Policy, Economics, Energy Poverty, Society
Subtopic:	Regional Experiences; Combatting Energy Poverty
Event:	8th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Session:	5DO.10.3
Pages:	1525 - 1529
ISBN:	3-936338-86-8
Paper DOI:	10.4229/WCPEC-82022-5DO.10.3
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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PV-based concepts are transcending their typical applications in the stationary energy and energy generation sectors, pervading all the main sectors that are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions in cities. Cities are uniquely positioned to tackle global issues at the local level as they control and/or have the autonomy to target the highest emitting and/or energy-intensive sectors in their territory, while experimenting innovative approaches to reach climate neutrality. The potential of PV technology in future low-carbon energy scenarios is largely modulated by the complexity of cityscapes, social systems, and urban metabolic flows, with a privileged role compared to other renewable energy solutions in tackling energy poverty and fostering a just energy transition. By capitalizing on two EU initiatives that are shaping the local-scale climate dialogue, the Covenant of Mayors and the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, this paper explores the synergies between PV systems, climate neutrality/decarbonisation, and the city/citizen dimension as pioneers of the energy transition.