CORDIS results pack on local clean energy transition

Local and regional authorities have a key role in achieving the EU Green Deal objectives and contribute to the reduction of climate emissions by at least 55 % by 2030. Sustainable energy actions at local level are decisive to implement the ambitious European energy and climate policies. To achieve further energy savings, the European Commission has revised the Energy Efficiency Directive, recognising the leading and exemplary role of public bodies and introducing an annual energy consumption reduction target of 1.9 % for the public sector as a whole. The amended Renewable Energy Directive has increased the EU's binding renewable target for 2030 to a minimum of 42.5 %, up from the previous 32 % target. In addition, the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will boost efforts to decarbonise buildings across the EU. As the level of governance that is closest to citizens, local and regional authorities play a pivotal role in the clean energy transition. For the move to a carbon-neutral society to be sustainable and inclusive, local actors are key agents of change and must have the knowledge and resources to reduce emissions and implement sustainable energy solutions. The 13 projects in this Results Pack highlight activities that support shorter-term implementation as well as long-term goals and ambitions for the clean energy transition. Their aim is to build capacity of cities and regions on planning and implementation, accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency measures and deployment of clean energy solutions, and overall scale up the reduction of CO2 emissions at the local level.