As cities and towns account for approximately three-quarters of the EU’s population, they have emerged as crucial allies in the implementation of ambitious initiatives like REPowerEU. Spearheaded by the European Commission, REPowerEU aims to fortify citizens and businesses against energy shortages by diversifying the energy supply chain and accelerating the transition to clean energy, thereby advancing climate neutrality in a timely and equitable manner. Recognizing the pivotal role of cities in this just and clean energy transition, DRIVE2X highlights the importance of transformative changes in usage, behavior, and governance structures within urban environments.
The release of “The State of European Smart Cities” report by the EU further underscores the significance of cities in driving forward the clean energy agenda. It showcases the efforts of numerous European cities that have embarked the path towards achieving net-zero ambitions. These cities, part of the Scalable Cities initiative under the Smart Cities and Communities Lighthouse programme, funded by Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe research and innovation schemes, serve as pioneers in implementing innovative solutions and financing mechanisms to support their sustainability goals.
This report highlights some of the most ambitious and impactful solutions, demonstrating their cost competitiveness and readiness for widespread replication. Together, these initiatives represent the state-of-the-art advancements in European smart cities, aligning closely with the objectives and aspirations of the DRIVE2X project.
Photo Credit: Patrick C. Freyer