Reducing emissions in cities is essential for the world to meet its energy and climate goals – and digital solutions that manage consumption patterns and optimize infrastructure can play a significant role, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Empowering Urban Energy Transitions: Smart Cities and Smart Grids – the third report in the flagship series from the IEA’s Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks Initiative (3DEN) – was presented at the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministerial Meeting held recently in Turin, Italy, and acknowledged by ministers in their communique.
It explores a large range of innovative projects and initiatives to improve power systems in cities around the world and provides insights on emerging best practices.
The report finds that cities need to raise their level of ambition in areas such as energy efficiency to meet the targets set at the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai. While a small number of cities are stepping up through sustainability and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction targets, more need to come forward. Cities currently account for around three-quarters of global energy consumption and 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, and their contribution is set to rise. Despite this, only one in five cities has set a target to reach net zero emissions.
